Camera-trapping surveys of the large and medium-sized mammal and understory bird diversity in Yaoluoping national nature reserve, Anhui province

Abstract

Yaoluoping National Nature Reserve is located on the southern slope of the Dabie Mountains. To describe the diversity of large and medium-sized mammal and understory bird diversity in Yaoluoping National Nature Reserve, from 2014 to 2017 a baseline survey was conducted using a camera-trapping approach. Over 16,658 camera trapping days at 72 camera locations, 2,142 usable images were obtained. Nine mammal species and 15 bird species were identified, belonging to 8 orders and 15 families. One species, Moschus anhuiensis, is listed as national first-class protected wild animal, whereas two species, Pucrasia macrolopha and Syrmaticus reevesii, were listed as national second-class protected wild animals. The top five mammals in relative abundance were Muntiacus reevesi, Sus scrofa, Callosciurus erythraeus, Arctonyx collaris and Sciurotamias davidianus, and the top five birds in relative abundance were S. reevesii, P. macrolopha, Garrulus glandarius, Turdus hortulorum and Urocissa erythrorhyncha. We also found evidence of intensive human activities in the reserve, which may have potential impacts on wildlife. This study provides basic information on the species composition of terrestrial mammals and understory birds in Yaoluoping National Nature Reserve; it will form the foundation of future monitoring research and will provide data information to wildlife management and protection efforts.