JOURNAL OF NANJING FORESTRY UNIVERSITY ›› 2018, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (03): 187-192.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-2006.201707015

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Spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of mammals investigated using infrared camera traps in Wolong Nature Reserve

HOU Jin1, YANG Jian2, LI Yujie1, HUANG Jinyan3, LIU Dian3, ZHANG Jindong1*   

  1. 1. College of Life Sciences, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China; 2. Dengsheng Protection Station, Sichuan Wolong National Nature Reserve Admmistration, Wolong 623006, China; 3. China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda, Wolong 623006, China
  • Online:2018-06-06 Published:2018-06-06

Abstract: Abstract: 【Objective】To investigate mammal abundance and spatio-temporal distribution in the Wolong National Nature Reserve, and provide a reference for the protection and management of wildlife in the Nature Reserve. 【Method】We surveyed the species composition and relative abundance of mammals using 165 infrared cameras in the Wolong National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province, from January 2015 to June 2016. We analyzed the factors driving the occurrence frequency of mammals at multiple spatio-temporal scales, such as different vegetation types, elevation, and climatic seasons. 【Result】During the study period, there were 1 619 photos of 25 species of mammals(representing 5 orders and 13 families)taken by the infrared cameras. The relative abundance of mammals were highest in the Summer and Autumn, lower in Winter, and lowest in Spring. A small number of wild mammals, such as the snow leopard(Panthera uncial)and blue sheep(Pseudois nayaur)were found to live in high-altitude alpine meadows and alpine scree habitats. Most mammals were found in deciduous broad-leaved and mixed coniferous/broad-leaved forests. 【Conclusion】Wolong Nature Reserve is rich in rare and endangered wildlife, such as the giant panda(Ailuropoda melanoleuca)and golden monkey(Rhinopithecus roxellana). We suggest that focused analyses of the mammals' areas of high frequency spatial-temporal activity(such as Autumn and medium altitude(1 700-3 500 m)), and investigations into habitat suitability and behavior, are needed to intensify their supervision and protection.

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