Unveiling the Mammalian Diversity and Conservation Significance of Jianfengling Region: A Camera-Trapping Survey of Mammals in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park

Abstract Background Jianfengling on southwestern Hainan Island is sanctuary for a diverse range of wild animals. However, the exact extent of mammal species diversity and conservation status in Jianfengling remains largely unknown, despite their crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance. This study focused on the diversity and distribution status of mammal species in Jianfengling, Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, China. Results The survey, which spans from October 2020 to November 2021, with 41,571 camera days and 8,091 independent detections, revealed 15 mammalian species belonging to 6 orders and 10 families. Among these, one was categorized as Critically Endangered, one as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, two were categorized as Critically Endangered or Endangered on the Red List of China’s Vertebrates, and five were China’s national first-class or second-class key protected wildlife. Notably, populations of the Chinese pangolin ( Manis pentadactyla ) were confirmed to persist in the wild of Jianfengling. In terms of the relative abundance indices (RAIs) of mammals captured by camera traps, the most prevalent species identified was Asiatic brush-tailed porcupine ( Atherurus macrourus ), followed by the wild boar ( Sus scrofa ), pallas’s squirrel ( Callosciurus erythraeus ), and Hainan muntjac ( Muntiacus nigripes ). The monitoring also captured a significant number of domestic dogs, as well as human disturbances. Conclusion These findings underscore the importance of conserving these mammals and emphasize the need for conservation efforts to protect their habitats and reduce human activities that threaten their survival, thereby maintaining the ecological balance of the region.