Abstract:

Infrared cameras have the advantages of minimal disturbance to animals, continuous photography of hidden species, and easy preservation and retrieval of image data. It is suitable for monitoring medium to large mammals and terrestrial birds to obtain their real existence statuses. In this study, we systematically investigated and determined the species diversity of wild mammals and birds in the Tianchi Bogda Peak Nature Reserve of Xinjiang, China. In July 2019—September 2020, 58 infrared cameras were placed at 30 planned locations across the reserve. We obtained 99850 images and videos during a survey of 29730 camera days and collected 5744 independent valid photos after screening. A total of 29 species belonging to 9 orders and 19 families were observed, among which we found 15 mammal species belonging to 5 orders and 10 families, and 14 bird species belonging to 4 orders and 9 families in the reserve. One Class I National Key Protected Species of wild animals was the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), and six Class II National Key Protected Species of wild animals were the sibirica ibex (Capra sibirica), red deer (Cervus canadensis), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), black kite (Milvus migrans), and Himalayan snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis). The presence of three carnivores, namely, snow leopards, Eurasian lynx, and red fox, indirectly confirmed the health of the Tianchi Bogda Peak Nature Reserve ecosystem. In forest habitat, the most abundant mammal specials with the highest RAI was the red deer (RAI=60.569), and the most abundant avian species with the highest RAI was the turtledove (Streptopelia orientalis, RAI=0.854). In alpine meadow and bare rock habitat, the most abundant mammal species with the highest RAIs was the red deer (RAI=18.693), and the most abundant avian species with the highest RAIs were the Himalayan snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis, RAI=0.316) and yellow-billed chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus, RAI=0.854). The species accumulation curve showed that the number of mammal species recorded using the infrared camera will not increase until 200 days. After 100 days, the growth in the number of bird species slowed but did not halt until the research ended. The presence of three carnivores, namely, snow leopards, Eurasian lynx, and red fox, indirectly confirms the health of the Bogda Nature Reserve ecosystem. In this study, the species diversity of wild mammals and birds in Tianchi Bogda Peak Nature Reserve was continuously observed using the infrared camera for the first time, and we obtained a large amount of image data. It provides a reliable reference for systematically revealing mammal and bird diversity monitoring and assessment in the reserve as well as provides the scientific foundation for subsequent conservation and management. In the future, we will increase the number of infrared camera monitoring sites and expand the scope of surveillance, extend the time of monitoring, and establish a long-term monitoring mechanism. When necessary, traditional sample methods such as line transect and infrared camera monitoring methods were combined to obtain more systematic and accurate monitoring data and results of bird and mammal diversity in the reserve.

Key words: relative abundance index, grid occupancy, accumulative curve of species number, species diversity