Abstract:

Aims: Understanding the spatial distribution patterns and population dynamics of species within a region is crucial for developing scientifically sound conservation strategies. Urban biodiversity serves as a vital foundation for urban ecosystem productivity and stability, providing diverse ecosystem services. However, rapid urbanization continues to transform natural landscapes and fragment wildlife habitats. As a rapidly developing city, Hangzhou represents an important case for examining urban ecological change, making a thorough assessment of its current biodiversity status particularly meaningful. 

Methods: Based on infrared camera monitoring data covering the entire area of Hangzhou (with a total of 1,224 cameras deployed and 401,600 effective camera-days), we systematically analyzed: (1) spatial distribution patterns of species within the region, with a focus on rare and endangered species; (2) estimated population densities using the random encounter model and evaluated ecological factors influencing habitat use via occupancy modeling; (3) effectiveness of the current conservation system in protecting species; and (4) identification of priority conservation areas for rare species in Hangzhou using the Zonation software. 

Results: The results showed that: (1) A total of 147 species were recorded, comprising 30 mammal species (7 orders, 18 families) and 117 bird species (11 orders, 36 families). The most frequently observed mammals were Reeves’s muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi), masked palm civet (Paguma larvata), Chinese ferret-badger (Melogale moschata), and hog badger (Arctonyx collaris), while the silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera) was the dominant bird species. (2) Species diversity exhibited pronounced spatial heterogeneity, with Lin’an and Chun’an regions hosting major distribution areas for key protected species. Rare species such as the black muntjac (Muntiacus crinifrons) and Chinese serow (Capricornis milneedwardsii) were concentrated in these regions, whereas the sika deer (Cervus nippon) was found only in protected areas of Lin’an. Chun’an supported an ecologically significant population of leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), while Yuhang was characterized by the presence of peri-urban adapted carnivores such as raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and Asian badger (Meles leucurus). (3) For widely distributed species, elevation emerged as a major factor influencing their distribution in Hangzhou. Among the 16 species analyzed, nine exhibited significant elevational effects. Specifically, elevation played a decisive role in the distribution of Malayan porcupine (Hystrix brachyura), leopard cat, raccoon dog, and silver pheasant, with higher occupancy probabilities observed at higher elevations (P < 0.05). (4) Systematic spatial prioritization identified a total priority conservation area of 5,068.85 km². Within the top 30% priority zones, 54.33% of the existing protected areas are located, conserving 20.74% of the key priority regions. The national-level protection system—comprising Tianmushan National Nature Reserve, Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve, and Fuchun River–Xin’an River National Scenic Area—contributes 94.25% of the protected areas within these high-priority zones. Significant conservation gaps were identified in the Qianligang Mountains of Chun’an, the Xianghu area in Xiaoshan, Daoshi and Qingliangfeng towns in Lin’an, as well as the mountainous regions of Baijiang town in Tonglu. 

Conclusion: These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing Hangzhou’s biodiversity conservation network and improving its protected area system, providing critical guidance for conservation management, particularly in key regions such as Lin’an and Chun’an.

Key words: infrared camera, whole region monitoring, Hangzhou, priority conservation areas