Camera-trap surveys reveal high diversity of mammals and pheasants in Medog, Tibet

Medog County lies within the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, but biodiversity in the region remains largely unexplored as there was no permanent road access until 2014. Here we present data from camera-trap surveys in five areas of Medog County, to ascertain the occurrence and occupancy of threatened wildlife species. With a total survey effort of 4,570 trap days we detected 23 medium and large terrestrial mammal species and six pheasant species, 13 of which are categorized as Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List and 19 of which are categorized as regionally threatened on the China Species Red List. Carnivora was the most diverse order, with 15 species recorded. Our study produced the first camera-trap photographic evidence of the Bengal tiger Panthera tigris tigris in China. In addition, we detected the dhole Cuon alpinus, golden cat Catopuma temminckii, marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata and mainland clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa, highlighting the conservation value of the region. The occupancy of muntjac Muntiacus spp. was high (52.7%), indicating prey for large carnivores was abundant. People, livestock and domestic dogs were also recorded frequently, suggesting the fauna are potentially threatened by human disturbance. In the light of recent development in the region, conservation efforts are urgently required, to prevent prey depletion and habitat degradation in this priority region for conservation.