The wildlife camera-trapping dataset of Zhangguangcai Mountains in Northeast China (2015-2020)

Long-term camera-trapping data provides critical information on the occurrence of elusive species and indicates the effectiveness of management and conservation interventions. A potential habitat for the Amur tiger in Northeast China is the Zhangguangcai Mountains located in the central and southern areas of Heilongjiang Province and eastern Jilin Province. We summarize camera-trapping records in southern Zhangguangcai Mountains between August 2015 and November 2020. Our research includes detailed species identification and a comprehensive camera-trapping dataset based on 72 camera locations. We compile a comprehensive camera trap survey with a total sampling effort of 88,093 camera-days, capturing 9,206 independent mammal detections and 655 bird detections. Species identification reveals 18 wild mammal species (5 orders and 11 families) and 31 bird species (9 orders and 16 families). Our dataset provides detailed information on camera trap locations, operational days, and independent records of mammal and bird species across different monitoring periods. Further, the dataset includes a comprehensive species list with details on endangered status and relative abundance index. Our dataset is the first comprehensive summary of infrared camera monitoring in the Zhangguangcai Mountains and offers essential scientific data to support targeted conservation and management decisions in the region.