Impacts of road disturbance on Artiodactyla: A case study from Hubei Dalaoling National Nature Reserve, China

doi:10.17520/biods.2026050

Biodiv Sci ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (6): 26050. DOI: 10.17520/biods.2026050 cstr: 32101.14.biods.2026050

• Original Papers: Animal Diversity • Previous Articles Next Articles

Impacts of road disturbance on Artiodactyla: A case study from Hubei Dalaoling National Nature Reserve, China

Meng Zhang¹, Rongjun Cao², Gongfang Wang², Qiongjiu Zou², Linting Wu², Weichang Fu¹, Youbing Zhou¹, Gangzhi Peng^2*

1 College of Biological & Pharmaceutical Sciences of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, China

2 Administration Bureau of Dalaoling Nature Reserve in Yichang Three Gorges, Yichang 443000, China

Received:2026-02-12 Revised:2026-04-08 Online:2026-06-20 Published:2026-07-30
Contact: Gangzhi Peng

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Abstract

Abstract:

Background & Aims: The expansion of road networks, while enhancing public mobility, exerts discernible impacts on wildlife behavior. However, the correlation between wildlife characteristics and the road effect zone remains poorly explored. The Hubei Dalaoling National Nature Reserve is traversed by Provincial Road S287, and the core area is divided into two parts. As linear infrastructures, roads potentially impose disturbances on wildlife, particularly artiodactyl species.

Methods: In this study, we used infrared cameras within a 3 km buffer on each side of Provincial Road S287 in the Hubei Dalaoling National Nature Reserve from January 2020 to July 2025. Based on data from 388 camera traps, we analyzed the road effect zones of six artiodactyl species using generalized linear models. Furthermore, correlation analysis was used to explore the associations of the road effect zone with body weight and the diurnal-nocturnal index.

Results: All six artiodactyl species exhibited dual road effect zone thresholds, with interspecific variation. The tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus) had near- and far- road effect zone thresholds at 600 m and 1,700 m; the Chinese muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) at 1,300 m and 1,700 m; the Chinese serow (Capricornis milneedwardsii), Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus), and forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) at 1,400 m and 1,800 m; and the wild boar (Sus scrofa) at 900 m and 1,300 m. The correlation analysis revealed that the diurnal-nocturnal index was negatively correlated with both zone thresholds (r_s = –0.893, P < 0.05; r_s = –0.939, P < 0.05), suggesting greater road tolerance in diurnal species; body weight showed no significant relationship with the road effect zone.

Conclusion: Road tolerance varies among artiodactyl species, and the diurnal-nocturnal index is a key indicator of this trait. These results offer scientific insights for the optimization of existing road management and wildlife protection within nature reserves.

Key words: road disturbance, Artiodactyls, camera trap, Hubei Dalaoling National Nature Reserve

Meng Zhang, Rongjun Cao, Gongfang Wang, Qiongjiu Zou, Linting Wu, Weichang Fu, Youbing Zhou, Gangzhi Peng. Impacts of road disturbance on Artiodactyla: A case study from Hubei Dalaoling National Nature Reserve, China[J]. Biodiv Sci, 2026, 34(6): 26050.

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URL: https://www.biodiversity-science.net/EN/10.17520/biods.2026050

https://www.biodiversity-science.net/EN/Y2026/V34/I6/26050

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Impacts of road disturbance on Artiodactyla: A case study from Hubei Dalaoling National Nature Reserve, China

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