Bird and mammal diversity and daily activity patterns in Zhongtiao Mountain, Shanxi Province

This study employed infrared camera technology to systematically monitor the diversity of wild mammals and birds at Zhongcun Forest Farm in Zhongtiao Mountain of Shanxi Province from May 2023 to December 2024. The results are as follows: (1) A total of 39 infrared cameras were deployed, accumulating 18438 camera-days of effective work. The survey yielded 13834 valid independent wildlife photographs. In total, 16 wild mammal species (6 orders, 10 families) and 31 bird species (7 orders, 14 families) were identified. Among them, there were 3 national first-class protected species and 8 national second-class protected species. 14 species were listed in the China Biodiversity Red List, including 1 critically endangered species, 5 vulnerable species, 8 near threatened species. Additionally, 3 species were assessed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2 species (Panthera pardus and Crossoptilon mantchuricum) were included in CITES Appendix Ⅰ, and 6 species (e.g., Prionailurus bengalensis, Macaca mulatta and Moschus moschiferus) were listed in CITES Appendix Ⅱ. (2) According to the Relative Abundance Index (R_AI) analysis, the most common mammal species in the area were Arctonyx collaris, Capreolus pygargus, Sciurotamias davidianus, Sus scrofa, and Paguma larvata. The dominant bird species observed were Corvus corone, Phasianus colchicus, Chrysolophus pictus, Nucifraga caryocatactes, and Pucrasia macrolopha. (3) Daily activity pattern analysis showed that Chrysolophus pictus (w_i=3.38), Phasianus colchicus (w_i =2.1), Moschus moschiferus (w_i =1.71) and Capreolus pygargus (w_i =1.61) all exhibited typical crepuscular activity patterns. Moschus moschiferus showed a stronger tendency toward nocturnal activity, while Capreolus pygargus preferred diurnal activity. Arctonyx collaris (w_i=1.86) was a typical nocturnal species. There was no significant diurnal difference in the activity of Sus scrofa (w_i ≈1.00 across all time periods). This study systematically compiled and documented the wildlife diversity baseline resources of Zhongcun Forest Farm through infrared camera technology. Its forest ecosystem was in good overall condition, providing a superior habitat for wildlife. The monitoring results confirmed the presence of several national first-class protected animals in the area, including Panthera pardus, Moschus moschiferus, and Crossoptilon mantchuricum. The daily activity pattern curves for dominant species such as Arctonyx collaris, Capreolus pygargus and Sus scrofa clearly reflected the temporal niche differentiation among different species. The findings on species composition, population abundance, and activity patterns can offer important theoretical support and scientific reference for biodiversity conservation and habitat management in Zhongtiao Mountain.