Altitudinal differences of distribution and behavior of Formosan Reeves’ muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi micrurus)

• Main Authors: Chi-yu Huang, 黃紀瑜
• Other Authors: Chang, Hsueh-Wen
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2018
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/4pf2ub

碩士 === 國立中山大學 === 生物科學系研究所 === 106 === Spatially distant animal populations scattered in wide geographical ranges may confront with quite different environment conditions. These differences are often reflected in the abundance, distribution and behavior among the local populations. Formosan Reeves'' muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi micrurus) is forest-dwelling species widespread from the lowland to high mountains in Taiwan. Although previous studies have addressed on the relationship of its abundance, distribution, and behavior with altitude, the results remain inconclusive. In this study, camera-trapping data from fauna surveys along the area of Gaoping River, including Shoushan (22-323 m), Chuyunshan Nature Reserve (900-2,200 m), and Southern Cross-Island Highway area (1,700-2,700 m) were analyzed and compared. The aim of this study is to determine whether there are altitudinal differences of abundance, distribution, activity pattern and behavior in Formosan Reeves'' muntjac. Data collected from a total of 67 camera sites were analyzed in the analysis. The results showed that the abundance of the muntjac was not correlated with altitude. The muntjac showed the highest density at Shoushan (low altitude), while lowest at Chuyunshan Nature Reserve (middle altitude). The muntjac remains active throughout 24 hours and peaked at dusk and dawn. The muntjac at Shoushan was more active between 9:00 - 15:00 than those of the other study areas. Foraging was the most frequently observed behavior at all three areas. The relative frequencies of locomotion, alert, foraging and other behavior were not different among altitudes. The abundance of the predator was neither correlated with the altitude nor the abundance of muntjac. Activity patterns of the muntjac and dog, the only predator of muntjac at Shoushan, were similar although dogs were more diurnal oriented. At other areas, activity patterns of the predators and muntjac showed no differences. Poor food availability, steep topography and higher hunting pressure at Chuyunshan Nature Reserve may explain its lowest muntjac abundance among these three areas. The tendency that the muntjac being more diurnal at Shoushan may be due to its potentially higher disturbance at night, a consequence of being surrounded by the metropolitan area.