Diversity and Activity Rhythm of Terrestrial Birds and Mammals in Caoyutang National Forest Park, Zhejiang Province, with Infrared Camera Technology

Aiming to understand the species diversity and daily activity rhythms of birds and mammals in Shexiang Caoyutang national forest park of Zhejiang province, the study was conducted from April 2021 to March 2022 to provide a reliable basis for further biodiversity conservation and research in this region. During the survey period , a total of 19 infrared camera sites were set up, resulting in a total of 6 289 effective camera working days and the collection of 2 422 independent and effective photos by using infrared camera technology. A total of 42 species were recorded (29 birds and 13 mammals), including Class I state key protected wild animals Tragopan caboti and Syrmaticus ellioti, as well as 8 ClassⅡstate key protected wild animals Lophura nycthemera, Prionailurus bengalensis, Capricornis sumatraensis and others. The species diversity analysis showed that α diversity increased first and then decreased with the increasing altitude, the highest α diversity at 1100-1200 m. The species similarity index was higher within each altitude range, indicating low β diversity within the community. Analysis of the daily activity rhythms of 5 common species (RAI>1) in the park showed that L. nycthemera, Sus scrofa, Muntiacus reevesii, and Dremomys pernyi are diurnal. The peak activity period of L. nycthemera and D. pernyi is around sunrise, that of S. scrofa is at noon, and that of M. reevesii is around sunset, Paguma larvata is typical nocturnal animal that exhibits high activity intensity at night.