Population density, activity rhythm, and habitat utilization of hog badger Arctonyx albogularis in the Zhejiang Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve

WANG Yang; LI Liang; ZHENG Nanzhong; YU Lin; TONG Genping; FU Wenyan; SONG Xiao; ZHAO Shanshan; XU Aichun

doi:10.16829/j.slxb.150854

2025 , Vol. 45 >Issue 1: 49 - 59

DOI: https://doi.org/10.16829/j.slxb.150854

ORIGINAL PAPERS

Population density, activity rhythm, and habitat utilization of hog badger Arctonyx albogularis in the Zhejiang Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve

WANG Yang ,
LI Liang ,
ZHENG Nanzhong ,
YU Lin ,
TONG Genping ,
FU Wenyan ,
SONG Xiao ,
ZHAO Shanshan ,
XU Aichun

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1 College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China;
2 Agricultural and Rural Bureau of Lin'an District, Hangzhou 311300, China;
3 Administrative Bureau of Zhejiang Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve, Hangzhou 311300, China

Received date: 2023-09-27

Revised date: 2024-01-29

Online published: 2024-01-29

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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

Cite this article

WANG Yang , LI Liang , ZHENG Nanzhong , YU Lin , TONG Genping , FU Wenyan , SONG Xiao , ZHAO Shanshan , XU Aichun . Population density, activity rhythm, and habitat utilization of hog badger Arctonyx albogularis in the Zhejiang Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve[J]. ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA, 2025 , 45(1) : 49 -59 . DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150854

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