Biodiv Sci ›› 2014, Vol. 22 ›› Issue (6): 752-757.  DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2014.14179

Special Issue: 野生动物的红外相机监测

• Original Papers • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Monitoring activity rhythms of Equus hemionus at watering holes by camera traps in Mount Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Xinjiang

Hongpan Wu1,2, Hongjun Chu1,2,3,*(), Yuan Wang3, Jianwei Ma3, Yan Ge2, Lan Bu2   

  1. 1 College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052
    2 Altay Management Station, Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Altay, Xinjiang 836500
    3 College of Resources and Environment Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046
  • Received:2014-08-27 Accepted:2014-12-04 Online:2014-11-20 Published:2014-12-11
  • Contact: Chu Hongjun

Abstract:

Khulan (Equus hemionus) are a first class, nationally protected animal in China. From April to November 2013, 28 infrared cameras were set up at 13 watering holes to study the activity rhythms of this species in the Mount Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Xinjiang, China. The results showed that activity frequency was greatest in autumn (2,679 identification photos), then summer (1,990), and lowest in spring (294). Average aggregation of E. hemionus to watering holes was greater in daylight hours than at nights. Daily activity at watering holes peaked between 0:00-1:00, declined rapidly between 7:00-9:00, was lowest between 12:00-13:00 and 16:00-17:00 and rose rapidly between 21:00-22:00. Studying the activity of Equus hemionus around watering holes will provide a basis for effective protection and management of desert ungulates in northern Xinjiang. Additionally, it provides a baseline for the sympatric reintroduction of Equus przewalskii.

Key words: Kuhlan (Equus hemionus), camera trapping, watering holes, activity rhythms