Spatiotemporal distribution patterns of large and medium-sized mammals in a biodiversity hotspot: Implications for conservation

Abstract

Understanding wildlife distribution patterns in relation to human disturbance and environmental variables across varying spatial and temporal dimensions is crucial for advancing effective conservation strategies. Here, we employed multi-species occupancy models on an extensive dataset derived from a systematic camera trapping survey across the Gaoligong Mountains to examine the effects of human modification (settlements and farmland) and human presence (camera detections of humans and livestock), latitude, and elevation on the diversity and distribution of large and medium-sized mammal species. We divided the study area into three sections (northern, middle and southern), 12 altitude zones, and sampling years into wet and dry seasons. We used spatial and temporal β diversity indices to quantify changes in species assemblages. From 375 stations over 113,204 camera days, we recorded 34 large and medium-sized mammal species. Throughout the year, the community mean occupancy showed a strong negative response to latitude. The dry season community mean occupancy negatively responded to latitude, elevation, and human modification and presence. Species turnover was the primary driver of diversity changes across all sections. Importantly, lower altitude zones from 1700 to 2300 m gained more species in the dry seasons, compared with wet seasons. These findings underscore the critical importance of low-elevation habitats for mammal conservation, emphasizing the need for targeted protection and restoration efforts in these areas. Effective conservation strategies should incorporate spatial heterogeneity and temporal dynamics, with particular attention to the varying habitat requirements of species across different seasons.