Systematic camera trapping survey for terrestrial vertebrates in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve, Vietnam

Our study investigates and updates the species richness of mid- to large-sized terrestrial vertebrates, thus providing essential information for developing conservation strategies in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve, Vietnam. As camera traps were set up in a grid-based design, our survey also generated the first-ever systematic data for terrestrial vertebrate fauna in the area. The study covers approximately 21,000 hectares (about 77% of the area), using 35 camera trap stations; each station consists of two cameras. In total, the final dataset consists of 6,276 trap nights, recording at least 46 species in 39 genera. The results suggest that Xuan Lien is a key stronghold for small carnivores, based on the diversity of such species groups in the Reserve. We failed to detect the previously documented Roosevelt's muntjac (<i>Muntiacusrooseveltorum</i> Osgood, 1932) and we only documented a single record of the northern red muntjac (<i>Muntiacusvaginalis</i> Boddaert, 1785). Our survey confirms the severity of overhunting and other anthropogenic threats to the mammal fauna, especially ungulates, in the Reserve.