Regional Differences in the Spatial Distribution and Activity Rhythms of Muntjacs in Subtropical Forests
Muntiacus reevesi(muntjac),belonging to the Cetartiodactyla,Cervidae family,exhibits substantial population and wide distribution in China.There have been relatively few studies on its spatial distribution and variability of activity rhythms.To understand the activity rhythm of muntjac and its influencing factors,muntjac activity in Taohongling Sika Deer National Nature Reserve,Jiuling Mountain National Nature Reserve and Qiyun Mountain National Nature Reserve in Jiangxi Province was monitored using infrared camera technology from March 2018 to February 2019.Each reserve had 60 infrared cameras,and the effective camera days were 9 692,9 659,and 14 582 d,respectively.In the aforementioned three reserves,the number of independent effective photographs of muntjac were 603,665,and 1 032 pieces,respective-ly.The single-season occupancy model was applied to assess the effects of environmental variables,such as elevation,slope,vegetation cover,and distance to water source,on the activity and distribution range of muntjac.The results reveal that muntjacs in Taohong ling and Jiuling Mountain reserves preferred areas with lower elevation,gentle slope,lower vege-tation index,and closer distance to water sources,whereas muntjacs in Qiyun Mountain reserve preferred areas with higher elevation,steeper slope,higher vegetation index,and closer distance to water sources.The muntjac was an evident cre-puscular species,with peak activity times of 06:00-08:00 and 17:00-19:00.The daily activity rhythms of the muntjac did not have significantly seasonal difference in Taohongling and Jiuling Mountain Reserves;however,there were signifi-cant seasonal fluctuations in Qiyun Mountain.There was no significant difference in annual activity rhythms among the re-serves.The results of this study can help to further understand the activity rhythm pattern of the muntjac and its seasonal variation,as well as its ecological habits in its natural state,and provide scientific and data support for the conservation and management of this species.
万方数据
维普
