Abstract: Wildlife diversity monitoring is an important tool for assessing progress in conservation programs in protected areas. For example, Gaowangjie National Nature Reserve is located in Guzhang County, Hunan Province, in the hinterland of Wuling Mountain. This reserve covers an area of 17,169.8 ha, and it is home to 12 species of wildlife under national protection, such as small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), leopard (Prionailurus bengalensis), Elliot’s pheasant (Syrmaticus ellioti) and Koklass pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha). Camera-trapping technology is a practice often used in wildlife monitoring, providing effective support for species cataloging in nature reserves. The aim of this study, therefore, was to use infrared camera technology to assess the success of conservation efforts in the Gaowangjie National Nature Reserve. Infrared camera monitoring records from 2021–2023 in the Gaowangjie National Nature Reserve were collated and species identification was performed. The dataset included 42,947 camera working days and captured a total of 45,838 images. Among them, there were 19,972 animal records and 8,039 independent detections, covering 12 species of animals in 3 orders and 8 families. There were 5,694 bird records and 2,212 independent detections, involving 43 species of birds in 9 orders and 23 families. By showing detailed coordinates of the camera sites, the working days of the cameras, the independent detections of birds and animals, and the list of bird and animal species monitored, these data can aide in revealing the biodiversity of a protected area. This insight provides an important foundation for developing evidence-based conservation plans and management strategies in protected areas.

Key words: Gaowangjie National Nature Reserve, camera trap, wildlife monitoring