Abstract:

Background & Aim: 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. 

Method: This study used infrared cameras within a 3km 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 1400 m and 1,800 m; and the wild boar(Sus scrofa) at 900 m and 1300 m. 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.

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