Developing camera-trapping protocols for wildlife monitoring in Chinese forests

doi:10.3724/SP.J.1003.2014.14075

Abstract

Abstract:

Wildlife monitoring is one key indicator used for biodiversity assessment. Therefore, developing wildlife monitoring protocols is an important component of large-scale biodiversity monitoring program such as the Chinese Forest Biodiversity Monitoring Network (CForBio). Since 2011, the CForBio Network launched an initiative to investigate wildlife diversity using camera traps among forest dynamic plots in China. Because of this initiative, there is an urgent need to develop standardized camera trapping protocols. One important premise of camera-trapping protocols is that camera trap data can be used to conduct comparative research among different plots. Here, we propose camera-trapping protocols based on our own experience in using camera traps for wildlife surveys, and on the terrestrial vertebrate (camera trap) protocol implementation manual produced by the TEAM (Tropical Ecology Assessment & Monitoring) Network. We hope that these protocols can serve as the basis for a standardized tool used in wildlife diversity monitoring in forest ecosystems. We also provide recommendations for plot design, data management and long-term monitoring programs for wildlife diversity monitoring.

Key words: camera-trapping, Chinese Forest Biodiversity Monitoring Network, wildlife monitoring, monitoring protocols

Zhishu Xiao,Xinhai Li,Xuezhi Wang,Qihai Zhou,Ruichang Quan,Xiaoli Shen,Sheng Li. Developing camera-trapping protocols for wildlife monitoring in Chinese forests[J]. Biodiv Sci, 2014, 22(6): 704-711.

Figures/Tables 4

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