Influence of microenvironment in front of infrared camera traps on birds and mammals monitoring

Infrared camera traps are extensively utilized in biodiversity surveys and monitoring due to their advantages, including high operational efficiency, minimal disturbance to wildlife, and adaptability to diverse environments. However, limited research has been conducted on the influence of the micro-environment surrounding infrared cameras on animal detection rates and the variability in monitoring data across different microenvironments. From July 12, 2021 to October 23, 2021, five quadrats were established within an altitude range of 2,600-2,800 meters on Cangshan Mountain. Each quadrat was equipped with three infrared cameras for comparative monitoring. The experimental design included a control group with an open and flat area in front of the cameras, a branch group with branches positioned in front of the cameras, and a stone group with stones placed in front of the cameras.The study yielded a total of 515 independent and effective monitoring photographs, documenting 29 species of birds and mammals. Specifically, 13 mammal species from 5 orders and 10 families, and 16 bird species from 3 orders and 6 families were recorded. Among the birds, there were 14 species of Passeriformes, 1 species of Strigiformes, and 1 species of Galliformes. In the branch group, 11 bird species were detected, including 9 species of Passeriformes. In the stone group, 6 bird species were observed, with 4 species of Passeriformes. In the control group, only 1 species of Galliformes was detected. Notably, 88% of the bird photographs in the branch group were taken on branches, while 76% of the bird photographs in the stone group were taken on stones. Both the number of bird species and the detection rate followed the order: branch group > stone group > control group (t-test, P ≤ 0.05). For mammals, 12 species were photographed in the branch group, 11 species in the stone group, and 9 species in the control group. The detection rate of mammals was significantly higher in the stone group compared to both the branch and control groups (t-test, P ≤ 0.05).This research demonstrates that the microenvironment surrounding infrared cameras significantly influences the monitoring of birds and mammals. Branches and stones exhibit an attractive effect on birds, particularly enhancing the detection rate and species richness of small Passeriformes. Stones have a more pronounced attractive effect on mammals. Future studies employing infrared cameras should consider the impact of the microenvironment on monitoring outcomes.