Camera Trap Survey of Two Pheasant Species in the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve

Abstract

Both the crested partridge (Rollulus rouloul) and great argus (Argusianus argus) are at high risk of extinction due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. While these relatively large pheasant species could be monitored using camera traps, such studies have been infrequent in the inland forests of Sabah. To help fill this gap, a camera trap survey was conducted at the Inobong Substation of the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve to document their local activity patterns. Ten sampling points were established, with each spaced at least 200.0 m apart and 5.0 m away from local hiking trails and vehicle roads, with one camera trap deployed at each point. Over 675 camera trap nights, the great argus predominantly passed through the points, while the crested partridge mainly engaged in foraging behaviour. Both species were detected either individually or in groups of varying sizes and sex compositions, with the crested partridge exhibiting a larger average group size compared to the great argus. Although their overall diurnal activity patterns were highly similar, the crested partridge showed peak activity during different daylight hours compared to the great argus. This highlights a subtle form of temporal niche partitioning, likely due to interspecific competition for movement space, shelter, and food at the sampling points. Ultimately, the present results support the feasibility of employing camera traps for long-term monitoring of these two pheasant species in the inland forests of Sabah, although further assessment is required to address the limitations of this preliminary research.