Camera-trapping survey on mammals and birds in a forest dynamics plot in Hainan Jianfengling national nature reserve

Abstract

Aim: To investigate changes of animal diversity and abundance, we set up camera traps in 79 plots in a 60 ha forest dynamics plot of Hainan Jianfengling National Nature Reserve from August 2016 to February 2019. Methods: The 60 ha forest dynamics plot was divided into 10,000-m2 blocks. In each block, we choose a 400-m2 plot where animal movement was expected across 79 plots. Results: A total of 27,848 camera-trapping days were accumulated and 15,320 independent images were obtained. We identified 46 species from camera trap images, including 16 mammal species belonging to 6 orders and 11 families, and 30 bird species belonging to 8 orders and 16 families. Polyplectron katsumatae, Arborophila ardens, Manis penta-dactyla were listed as Class I National Protected Wildlife of China, and Macaca mulatta, Ratufa bicolor, Gallus gallus, Lophura nycthemera, Accipiter virgatus, Pitta soror were listed as Class II. The top five mammal species with the highest photographic rate from high to low were Atherurus macrourus, Dremomys pyrrhomerus, Leopoldamys edwar-dsi, Callosciurus erythraeus and Muntiacus vaginalis. The top five bird species with the highest photographic rate from high to low were Lophura nycthemera, Polyplectron katsumatae, Pitta soror, Arborophila ardens and Garrulax castanotis. Conclusions: Hainan Jianfengling National Nature Reserve is an important habitat for many rare, endangered species, and endemic species. However, comparisons between survey results and historical data suggests that carnivores may be extirpated from this area. Therefore, we suggest the reserve continuously monitor change of wildlife diversities and abundance in Hainan Jianfengling National Nature Reserve.