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Use of Remote-Trip Cameras for Wildlife Surveys and Evaluating the Effectiveness of Conservation Activities at a Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province, China

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Abstract

Monitoring the effectiveness of management activities within reserves is always a complicated task. When the focus of management activities is mammals, it is difficult to monitor their populations in a way that is rapid, effective, and inexpensive. We report on a mammal survey of a reserve in southwest China using remote-trip cameras. We surveyed 329 locations over 2 field seasons in 2002 and 2003. Sixteen species of mammals were detected with these cameras, with four species documented for the first time. After accounting for variation due to slope, aspect, elevation, and habitat type, the distribution of six species was positively associated with the location of conservation stations and/or patrolling routes. Species of medium-sized mammals are excellent candidates for monitoring programs based on these cameras, due to their relative abundance, sufficient size to be detected by the camera units, and sensitivity to human activity. The distribution of mammals relative to management efforts is a relatively rapid means to assess reserve effectiveness. The repeat use of the cameras as part of a monitoring plan should provide a quantifiable measure of reserve effectiveness.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by Friend’s of the National Zoo, Peking University, Sichuan Forestry Department, Fuji Film, and China Wildlife Conservation Association. Daniel Guertin performed some of the preliminary analyses. The patrolling staff at Tangjiahe Nature Reserve performed the hard work of moving the cameras. Reviewers substantially improved the quality of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Wildlife Conservation Society, Joint Forest Ecology Program, Conservation and Research Center, Front Royal, VA, 22611, USA

    William J. McShea

  2. College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China

    Wang Dajun & Li Sheng

  3. Tangjiahe Nature Reserve, Sichuan Forestry Administration, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China

    Li Ming Fu

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  1. Wang Dajun
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  2. Li Sheng
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  3. William J. McShea
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  4. Li Ming Fu
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Correspondence to William J. McShea.

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Dajun, W., Sheng, L., McShea, W.J. et al. Use of Remote-Trip Cameras for Wildlife Surveys and Evaluating the Effectiveness of Conservation Activities at a Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province, China. Environmental Management 38, 942–951 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-005-0302-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-005-0302-3

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