An Assessment of the Diversity and Seasonal Dynamics of Small- and Medium-Sized Mammals in Pittachhara Forest, Bangladesh, Using a Camera Trap Survey
by
,
Raf Ana Rabbi Shawon
1,
Md. Matiur Rahman
2,3,
Md Mehedi Iqbal
4,
Mahfuz A. Russel
5 and
Junji Moribe
1,* 1
Laboratory of Wildlife Resources, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
2
Laboratory of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
3
Department of Medicine, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
4
Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8564, Japan
5
Pittachhara Forest and Biodiversity Conservation Initiative, Matiranga 4450, Bangladesh
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Animals 2024, 14(24), 3568; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14243568
Submission received: 2 November 2024
/
Revised: 8 December 2024
/
Accepted: 9 December 2024
/
Published: 10 December 2024
(This article belongs to the Section Mammals)
Simple Summary
The Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHTs) in Bangladesh support diverse wild mammal species, underscoring the need for conservation-focused monitoring. Camera traps in the Pittachhara Forest identified eight small- and medium-sized mammals, including the Bengal slow loris, northern pig-tailed macaque, and leopard cat. Activity patterns revealed the nocturnal behavior of species such as the Bengal slow loris, while the northern pig-tailed macaque was diurnal. Seasonal analysis showed significantly higher activity during summer, particularly for the large Indian civet and crab-eating mongoose, and reduced activity in winter (p < 0.05). This study highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and conservation to mitigate human impacts and ensure the survival of endangered species in this small, protected area.
Abstract
The Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHTs) in Bangladesh have a rich biodiversity, hosting a wide range of wild mammal species, underscoring the importance of systematic monitoring focused on conservation efforts. This study aims to assess the diversity and abundance of small- and medium-sized wild mammal species in Pittachhara Forest in the CHTs. A comprehensive wildlife monitoring survey was conducted in this forest using strategically placed camera traps to identify the wild species diversity, and we evaluated the activity patterns and seasonal variations for the period of February 2023 to August 2024. The camera trap identified eight species of small- and medium-sized wild mammals: the Bengal slow loris, northern pig-tailed macaque, leopard cat, large Indian civet, common palm civet, crab-eating mongoose, northern tree shrew, and black rat. The activity patterns showed distinct temporal behaviors among these wild mammals, with nocturnal activity dominating for the Bengal slow loris and leopard cat, while the northern pig-tailed macaque exhibited diurnal activity. Seasonal variations demonstrated a significant difference in increased activity among most wild mammal species throughout the summer, particularly the large Indian civet and crab-eating mongoose, likely due to favorable environmental conditions, and decreased activity in the winter (p < 0.05). The findings suggest an intricate connection between species-specific behaviors and environmental factors that influence activity patterns, with increased activity in summer and a decrease in winter, indicating that summer conditions may enhance the movement and foraging behaviors of mammals. This study underscores the necessity for continuous biodiversity monitoring followed by conservation efforts in Pittachhara Forest to reduce the threats of habitat fragmentation, human disturbances, and inadequate protection, thus protecting the survival of endangered wild mammal species and maintaining the environmental harmony of this small, protected area.
