Using infra-red camera trapping technology to monitor mammals along Karakorum Highway in Khunjerab National Park, Pakistan.

Infra-red digital camera trapping technology was used in this research study in order to investigate the richness and abundance of mammal species along Karakorum Highway (KKH) in Khunjerab National Park (KNP). This study was performed for the purpose of building a database of wildlife activity and to provide wildlife protective measures after the KKH improvement project. 10 infra-red cameras were installed on 4 locations along KKH in KNP from June 24 to November 8, 2013. Results indicated that 5 mammals were captured with the following relative abundance index (RAT) ranking: red fox (Vulpes vulpes), cape hare (Lepus capensis), Himalayan ibex (Capra ibex sibirica), snow leopard (Uncia uncial) and Mustelidae species. Surprisingly, snow leopards emerged in 3 cameras of the total 10 cameras. Species richness and abundance in roadside forest, which is located on the bottom of valleys, are less than on that of the mountain slopes, which is likely the result of short monitoring time (about 4 months) and mammal vertical migration behavior. Our investigation indicated that mammal species richness adjacent to the highway was not low and protective values were great. Infra-red camera trapping technology was found to be an effective method to monitor mammals in KNP. We suggest the protection of vegetation along KKH in KNP, limiting the traffic volume and speed at night and reduced livestock activity in this area in order to better protect the valuable and endangered mammal species in KNP.