Biodiv Sci ›› 2022, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (10): 22451.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2022451

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Wildlife monitoring and research using camera-trapping technology across China: The current status and future issues

Zhishu Xiao1,7,*(), Wenhong Xiao1, Tianming Wang2, Sheng Li3, Xinming Lian4, Dazhao Song5, Xueqin Deng1, Qihai Zhou6   

  1. 1. State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101
    2. College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875
    3. School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871
    4. Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008
    5. Chinese Felid Conservation Alliance, Beijing 100875
    6. Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004
    7. College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049
  • Received:2022-08-07 Accepted:2022-11-07 Online:2022-10-20 Published:2022-11-08
  • Contact: Zhishu Xiao

Abstract:

Background: Innovation in the application of intelligent sensors, artificial intelligence, and information technology has greatly increased the potential for global biodiversity conservation and restoration.
Aims: Considering the significant advances in wildlife monitoring using infrared cameras at home and abroad, combined with a literature review, this paper aims to assess the current status and relevant topics from wildlife camera-trapping monitoring research in China since 2011. Combined with important research cases at home and abroad to explore the cutting-edge issues of camera-trapping monitoring research, this paper will provide suggestions for the future of camera-trapping monitoring research in China.
Main issues: The main contents of this paper are as follows: (1) We conducted and summarized a literature review of wildlife camera-trapping monitoring research in China during the past 30 years (1991-2021); (2) By reviewing major research cases in China since 2011, we assessed five primary topics such as technical methods, species discovery and inventory, morphology and behavioral research, ecological research, and conservation and management; (3) Utilizing recent research cases abroad, we evaluated cutting-edge trends in the field of infrared camera monitoring research; and (4) We provide relevant suggestions for the future development of wildlife camera-trapping monitoring research in China.
Conclusions: Through our review, this paper underscores the innovative trend of infrared camera technology application and development at home and abroad in wildlife monitoring and research during the past decade. We provide a reference basis for China’s future development in this field, so as to better serve the construction of China’s biodiversity monitoring and research network as well as the construction of protected areas systems centering on national parks. Finally, we promote the construction of a national ecological civilization by providing a scientific basis for making decisions in ensuring ecological security and biosafety.

Key words: camera-trapping technology, wildlife monitoring, species inventory, animal behavior, ecology, conservation and management, protected areas