Diversity and vertical distribution patterns of wildlife in Tianzhushan, Shaanxi Province, China

Biodiversity monitoring is an important means by which to evaluate management effectiveness and develop sound conservation plans. In this study, 52 cameras were installed in the study area of Tianzhushan to assess wildlife diversity and elevational patterns from 2018 to 2019. In total, 9 541 independent photos were collected within 26 565 camera-days. We analysed the relative abundance index (RAI), activity patterns and seasonal activity rhythms of the five most abundant species at 200-m elevational intervals throughout the study area (elevation range 1 400-2 000 m a.s.l.). Based on RAI results, the activity patterns of the five most abundant species (i.e. Sus scrofa, Naemorhedus griseus, Muntiacus reevesi, Arctonyx collaris and Capricornis milneedwardsii) were analysed. Amongst the detected wild mammals, Sus scrofa had the highest RAI value of 9.91, while the occurrence of Tamiops swinhoei had the lowest RAI at 0.004. In addition, there were significant differences in species activity during the daytime and night-time. RAI of the ungulate community peaked at the 1 600-1 800 m a.s.l. elevational range, thus showing a mid-elevational peak pattern. Differences in vertical distribution patterns were detected for the five most abundant species. Mainland serows and wild boars preferred mid-elevation habitats (1 600-1 800 m a.s.l.), long-tailed gorals preferred mid-and high altitudes (1 600-2 000 m a.s.l.) elevation habitats and Chinese muntjacs and hog badgers preferred low elevation habitats (1 400-1 600 m a.s.l.). Taken together, this is the first study to reveal the five dominant species activity patterns in Tianzhushan, which is of importance for wildlife conservation.