Abstract:

Understanding the current status of wildlife baseline resources in nature reserves and timely updating species inventories are crucial for formulating effective biodiversity conservation strategies. From October 2022 to May 2024， this study deployed 136 infrared cameras in the Shapotou Nature Reserve and the surrounding Changliushui area to conduct a baseline survey of wildlife resources. Over a cumulative total of 67 456 camera days， 25 699 valid independent wildlife photographs were captured， identifying 10 species of wild mammals from 5 orders and 8 families， and 52 species of wild birds from 13 orders and 24 families. The results indicate： （1） Two species were classified as National Grade I protected wildlife， and 14 species as Grade II. According to the China Biodiversity Red List， 3 species were assessed as Endangered （EN）， 3 as Vulnerable （VU）， and 7 as Near Threatened （NT）. （2） A total of 54 species of wild mammals and birds were recorded at Huangcao Lake in the Shapotou Reserve， followed by 30 species at Changliushui， 26 species at Xiaohu， and 14 species at Jinsha Island. The top five species by relative abundance index （R_AI） were the Tolai hare （Lepus tibetanus）， goitered gazelle （Gazella subgutturosa）， red fox （Vulpes vulpes）， common pheasant （Phasianus colchicus）， and Eurasian magpie （Pica pica）. （3） Analysis of daily activity patterns revealed that goitered gazelles and common pheasants are diurnal and crepuscular， with the latter being almost inactive at night. Asian badgers， Tolai hares， and red foxes are nocturnal and crepuscular， with the former two being nearly inactive during the day. African-Asian wildcats （Felis lybica） are strictly nocturnal， with significantly higher activity levels at night compared to daytime and twilight periods. （4） The leopard cat （Prionailurus bengalensis） was identified as a new species in the Shapotou Reserve， while the previously reported Chinese mountain cat （F. bieti） was revised to the African-Asian wildcat. This study provides a preliminary understanding of the current status of wildlife resources and the daily activity patterns of key species in the Shapotou Nature Reserve， offering a scientific basis for the development of effective biodiversity conservation strategies and enhanced management practices.

Key words: Shapotou National Nature Reserve, bird, mammal, activity rhythm, activity selection index, infrared camera