Abstract: As higher-level consumers in the ecosystem, medium-sized carnivores plays an important role in the function-ality, structure, and stability of the ecosystem. The hog badger (Arctonyx albogularis) is a medium-sized carnivore belonging to the Mustelidae family and occupies a high position in the food chain of forest ecosystems in East China. However, there is limited research on its population density, daily activity rhythm, and habitat utilization characteristics. Our study represents a three-year investigation in the Zhejiang Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve using infrared cameras. A total of 110 infrared cameras were deployed in the Qianqingtang and Longtangshan areas, accumulating 118 800 camera-days. Population density of hog badgers was estimated using the random encounter model (REM) and the daily activity rhythm of hog badgers and how it is affected by sympatric species was explored using the non-parametric kernel density index method. A single-species occupancy model was constructed to assess the habitat utilization characteristics of hog badgers. The results showed that the density of hog badgers in the Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve was 23. 26 ±2. 97 individuals per square kilometer, exhibiting seasonal and interannual variations. The daily activity rhythm of hog badgers indicated nocturnal and crepuscular behavior, differing significantly from the activity rhythms of Masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) and Chinese ferret-badger (Melogale moschata), but overlapping significantly with that of Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica). The occupancy model revealed that during the breeding season, hog badgers preferred to inhabit broad-leaved forests, coniferous forests, and mixed forests, with habitat utilization positively correlated with temperature. During the non-breeding season, hog badgers showed a preference for slopes with slight grades, locations closer to human settlements, and regions with higher temperatures. This study broadens the general understanding of the ecological features of wild hog badgers and the role of medium-sized carnivores in ecosystems, providing a scientific basis for their protection and management.

Key words: Medium-sized carnivores, Occupancy model, Random encounter model, Kernel density index, Mustelidae

摘要： 中型食肉动物，作为生态系统中的上层消费类群，对生态系统的功能、结构和稳定发挥重要作用。猪獾(Arctonyx albogularis)为鼬科中型食肉动物，在华东地区森林生态系统食物链中处于较高位置，然而关于其种群密度、日活动节律及栖息地利用特征的研究较少。本研究在浙江清凉峰国家级自然保护区千顷塘和龙塘山区域布设了110台红外相机，进行3年调查，累积118 800个工作天数。利用随机相遇模型估算了猪獾种群密度，采用非参数核密度指数法分析了猪獾与同域物种的日活动节律，并通过构建单物种占域模型评估了猪獾的栖息地利用特征。研究表明：(1)猪獾在清凉峰保护区内种群密度为每平方千米(23.26 ±2.97)只，并存在季节和年际间变化。(2)猪獾偏好晨昏活动，与花面狸(Paguma larvata)、鼬獾(Melogale moschata)的日活动节律模式存在显著差异，与黄鼬(Mustela sibirica)活动节律的重叠程度较高。(3)占域模型结果表明，猪獾在繁殖季倾向栖息在阔叶林、针叶林以及针阔混交林中，且气温正向影响其栖息地利用；在非繁殖季，猪獾偏好在缓坡、距居民区较近以及气温较高区域活动。本研究扩展了对猪獾野外生态习性的了解及中型食肉动物在华东地区森林生态系统中的作用，为其保护与管理提供科学依据。

关键词: 中型食肉动物, 占域模型, 随机相遇模型, 核密度指数, 鼬科