Analysis of Medium and Large Mammal Diversity in the Putian Laoyingjian Provincial Nature Reserve Based on Infrared Camera Surveys

To comprehensively evaluate the resource status of medium and large mammals in the Putian Laoyingjian Provincial Nature Reserve, a systematic infrared camera survey was conducted from June 2023 to September 2024. A total of 16 mammal species were recorded, belonging to 4 orders, 10 families, and 14 genera. Among these, one species is classified as a national class Ⅰ protected wildlife species, and four species are classified as national class Ⅱ protected wildlife species. The study identified the two dominant medium-to-large mammal groups in the reserve as predominantly Oriental Realm species, reflecting distinct biogeographical affinities. The three species with the highest relative abundance index (RAI) and camera-site occupancy rates were Muntiacus reevesi, Sus scrofa, and Paguma larvata. Neither species richness nor RAI showed significant differences between the eastern and western sectors of the reserve (P>0.05). Analysis of circadian activity rhythms revealed significant temporal overlap between M. reevesi and S. scrofa (Δ₄=0.82), while the remaining dominant species exhibited moderate to low overlap or non-significant differences (P>0.05). Monthly activity rhythm analysis indicate that all four dominant species displayed bimodal activity peaks, suggesting adaptive responses to seasonal environmental variations. The findings from this infrared camera survey provide a preliminary assessment of the medium and large mammal community in the Putian Laoyingjian Provincial Nature Reserve. This study offers a scientific basis for further biodiversity research within the reserve and supplies data-driven support for biodiversity conservation efforts in related regions.