Abstract: This study investigates the main factors affecting the population dynamics and cluster size of Capra sibirica and provides a basis for its research and conservation. Infrared cameras technology was used to asses cluster types, sizes, and seasonal differences of Capra sibirica from November 2020 to November 2021 in the desert area of Urad, Inner Mongolia. 648 groups represented by 1 187 individuals were recorded and divided into 5 cluster types: mixed age/sex groups (65 groups, 10. 0%), adult female groups (13 groups, 2. 0%), ewe-lamb groups (103 groups, 15. 9%), adult male groups (81 groups, 12. 5%) and solitary adult males/females (386 groups, 59. 6%). The average group size was 1. 83 ±1. 45, varying from 1 to 11. The number of individuals per group with the highest frequency was 1 - 3. In general, the frequency of group occurrence and seasonal differences were significant (P < 0. 001). The seasonal discrepancies in the frequency of different group sizes were also highly significant (P < 0. 001). However, the mean cluster sizes differed between cool and warm seasons. The results indicated that habitat type is the main factor affecting the cluster size of Capra sibirica, and its population dynamics are affected by seasonal changes of food resources and its reproductive cycle. It is suggested that conservation areas should be established by the local government. Actions such as controlling or transferring some of the livestock within the range of the Capra sibirica distribution, reducing human interference, and improving ecological environment management should be taken into consideration.

Key words: Urad desert, Capra sibirica, Infrared camera technology, Grouping behavior, Seasonal difference

摘要： 探究影响北山羊(Capra sibirica)种群动态变化和集群大小的主要因素，可为北山羊种群研究和保护工作提供依据。2020年11月—2021年11月，利用红外相机技术在内蒙古乌拉特荒漠地区对北山羊的集群类型、大小及其季节性差异进行调查。共记录北山羊648群次，总计1 187只次，将其分为混合群、雌性群、母仔群、雄性群和独羊5种集群类型。其中，独羊386群次(59.6%)，母仔群103群次(15.9%)，雄性群81群次(12.5%)，混合群65群次(10.0%)和雌性群13群次(2.0%)。北山羊最大群为11只，最小群为1只，全年平均集群大小为(1.83 ±1.45)只。在冷暖季，北山羊均以1~3只集群为主。各集群类型出现的频次及其季节性差异极显著(P < 0.001)。不同集群大小出现频次的季节性差异也极显著(P < 0.001)。不同集群类型的集群平均大小在冷暖季间有差异。研究结果显示，栖息地类型是影响北山羊集群大小的主要因素，食物资源的季节性变化和自身的繁殖周期是影响北山羊种群动态的主要因素。研究区域内食物缺乏，北山羊的生存环境堪忧，建议政府建立保护区，减少或转移部分北山羊分布区范围内的牲畜，减少人为干扰，加强生态环境治理。

关键词: 乌拉特荒漠, 北山羊, 红外相机技术, 集群行为, 季节性差异