Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, India.
University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India.
PLoS One. 2021 Aug 5;16(8):e0255082. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255082. eCollection 2021.
The present study aims to explore the mammalian diversity of Darjeeling district using camera traps along with questionnaire survey in protected area (PA) and non- protected area (Non-PA). We also attempted to understand the influence of habitat variables on mammalian species richness using the generalized linear mixed models (GLMM). A total of 30 mammal species were recorded of which 21 species were detected through camera trapping with the most abundant records of barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) and least of the elusive Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and red panda (Ailurus fulgens). Additionally, melanistic forms of four mammals were also recorded. The mammalian species richness, their capture rate and naïve occupancy did not differ significantly among the PA and Non-PA. The GLMM revealed that the proportions of oak and bamboo in the forest, percentage canopy cover and camera trap operational days (wAICc = 0.145, wBIC = 0.603) were significant predictors of species richness in the study. We suggest Non-PA forest of Darjeeling should be given equal conservation importance as to the PA. Landscape based conservation planning will be imperative for achieving long term conservation goals in the study area.
本研究旨在利用保护区（PA）和非保护区（Non-PA）的相机陷阱和问卷调查，探索大吉岭地区的哺乳动物多样性。我们还尝试使用广义线性混合模型（GLMM）来了解栖息地变量对哺乳动物物种丰富度的影响。共记录了 30 种哺乳动物，其中 21 种是通过相机陷阱检测到的，最丰富的记录是吠鹿（Muntiacus muntjak），最稀少的是难以捉摸的穿山甲（Manis pentadactyla）和小熊猫（Ailurus fulgens）。此外，还记录了四种哺乳动物的黑化形式。PA 和 Non-PA 之间的哺乳动物物种丰富度、捕获率和幼稚占有率没有显著差异。GLMM 显示，森林中栎树和竹子的比例、树冠覆盖率和相机陷阱运行天数（wAICc = 0.145，wBIC = 0.603）是物种丰富度的重要预测因子。我们建议，应将大吉岭的非保护区森林给予与保护区同等的保护重要性。基于景观的保护规划对于实现研究区域的长期保护目标至关重要。
