Biodiv Sci ›› 2019, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (7): 813-818.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2019131

• Bioinventory • Previous Articles    

Camera-trapping survey on mammals and birds in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou, China

Zhang Mingming1,2,Yang Zhaohui1,Wang Cheng1,Wang Jiaojiao1,Hu Canshi1,2,Lei Xiaoping3,Shi Lei3,Su Haijun1,2,*(),Li Jiaqi4,*()   

  1. 1 College of Forestry, Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation of Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025
    2 Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guiyang 550025
    3 Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve Administration Bureau, Jiangkou, Guizhou 554400
    4 Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042
  • Received:2019-04-15 Accepted:2019-07-17 Online:2019-07-20 Published:2019-08-21
  • Contact: Su Haijun,Li Jiaqi

Abstract:

Camera-trapping allows scientists to gain new insights into the protection status and threats toward biodiversity. Mammals and birds in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve were monitored using 40 camera traps in 2 independent plots based on grid sampling survey method. A total of 3,199 independent images (out of 14,119 recognizable images) were collected with an extensive survey effort of 14,808 camera-days during April 2017 to December 2018. 61 species within 9 orders and 22 families were recorded and identified, including 26 mammal species belonging to 4 orders and 12 families, and 35 avian species belonging to 5 orders and 10 families. Among the recorded species, Rhinopithecus brelichi and Syrmaticus ellioti are listed as Class I National Protected Wildlife in China. Worth noting, Rhinopithecus brelichi is listed as Endangered (EN) in the IUCN Red List, 9 species listed as Class II, 5 species as Vulnerable (VU), and 8 species as Near Threatened (NT). The relative abundance index (RAI) is widely used to assess the regional species abundance. The five most abundant mammal species with highest RAIs in Fanjingshan Naitonal Nature Reserve were Macaca thibetana (RAI = 28.23), Elaphodus cephalophus (RAI = 15.46), Sus scrofa (RAI = 11.82), Muntiacus reevesi (RAI = 9.05) and Rhinopithecus brelichi (RAI = 7.70). Additionally, the five most abundant avian species with highest RAIs were Myophonus insularis (RAI = 10.33), Tragopan temminckii (RAI = 9.59), Chrysolophus pictus (RAI = 6.96), Syrmaticus ellioti (RAI = 3.71) and Pucrasia macrolopha (RAI = 1.55). During the study, intensive livestock (RAI = 11.14) and human (RAI = 12.90) activities were recorded, which may elucidate the potential threat to the protection of wildlife and their habitat. We recommended that the Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve Administration Bureau should take more actions in improving the public awareness to protect wildlife, and in promoting the harmonious development of the reserve and local communities.

Key words: mammals, birds, species diversity, camera-trapping survey, Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve