# The Population Ecological Characteristics of Gongshan Muntjac (Muntiacus gongshanensis) in Southeastern Tibet Based on Camera‐Trap Technology

## TL;DR

This study uses camera traps to learn about the ecology of the rare Gongshan muntjac in Tibet, revealing its habitat, activity patterns, and social behavior.

## Contribution

The study provides the first detailed ecological data on the Gongshan muntjac, a critically endangered and poorly understood deer species.

## Key findings

- Gongshan muntjacs prefer broadleaf forests below 2200 m elevation and are most active at dusk and dawn.
- The species exhibits a male-biased sex ratio and predominantly solitary behavior.
- Activity patterns show no significant seasonal variation despite higher frequencies in summer and autumn.

## Abstract

The Gongshan muntjac (
Muntiacus gongshanensis
) is one of the least understood ungulate species and is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on China's Vertebrates Red List and assessed as Data Deficient (DD) by the IUCN. Its elusive behavior, remote habitat, and restricted distribution have hindered efforts to understand its ecological characteristics. To address this gap, we conducted an extensive camera trap survey in Gedang, Medog County, Southeast Tibet, from April 2023 to December 2024. A total of 4846 images and videos from 914 independent detections were collected from 52 cameras that captured the Gongshan muntjac. The results revealed that Gongshan muntjac was widely distributed at elevations below 2800 m, with particularly frequent habitat use below 2200 m in broadleaf forests. The observed sex ratio favored males, with a female‐to‐male sex ratio of 1:1.13 in this wild population. Solitary individuals were the most common social structure (89.71% of independent detections), followed by female–male pairs (6.94%), whereas other groups with limited detections altogether accounted for only 3.35%. The daily activity patterns followed a crepuscular bimodal rhythm, with the primary activity intensity concentrated at dusk (19:00–21:00) and a smaller peak at dawn (07:00–09:00), and there were no significant differences between males and females. Although activity frequencies were higher in summer and autumn, daily activity intensity exhibited no significant seasonal variation. These findings contribute critical baseline data on the habitat preferences, activity rhythms, and population structure of Gongshan muntjac, offering valuable guidance for conservation planning and future ecological monitoring of this poorly understood species.

This study provides critical insights into the ecological characteristics of the endangered Gongshan muntjac, a poorly understood ungulate species. Our findings reveal the species' habitat preferences, activity rhythms, and social structure, which are vital for informing conservation strategies and enhancing our understanding of this species' role in its ecosystem. The research contributes to the scientific basis for protecting the Gongshan muntjac and offers a model for studying other elusive wildlife.