Utilization patterns and optimization suggestions for wildlife passages in Xinjiang nature reserves

The expansion of linear infrastructure significantly threatens biodiversity, necessitating comprehensive multi-species research and studies on regional differences. We surveyed and monitored wildlife passages in eight nature reserves in Xinjiang, assessing their construction status, utilization patterns, and key factors influencing utilization rates, and proposing optimization suggestions. Our results showed that dedicated wildlife passages were rare, except in large reserves, which mostly relied on small bridges and culverts for water passage. Strengthening passage construction in these areas is recommended. We recorded 32 wildlife species, including 13 bird species and 19 mammal species. The relative abundance index of Cetartiodactyla and Perissodactyla, such as bharal, goitered gazelle, and Asian wild ass, was notably high. Utilization rates of passages were lowest in winter, increased in spring, and peaked in summer and autumn. In July, all monitoring sites showed positive selection..., (1) Monitoring data
Infrared camera monitoring technology widely applied in wildlife passage utilization studies was used here. Cameras were set at 0.5-1 meters above the ground, angled slightly downward, avoiding direct sunlight or reflective objects. Camera performance and settings are shown in Table 2. Data was collected for at least three months per monitoring point to account for animal activity variations and ensure comprehensive data collection. Species identification referenced the \" List of Biological Species of China (2023 Edition),\" \" Vertebrate Volume of the Red List of Biodiversity of China,\" and \" List of Birds of China (4th Edition, 2023).\" Photos with accurately identifiable species recorded species names and numbers. 
(2) RDA analysis data
Traffic volume refers to the annual average traffic volume of motor vehicles, measured in vehicles per day. Underpass and overpass types of passages were assigned values of 1 and 2, respectively. Passage size refers to the volume..., , # Data from: Utilization patterns and optimization suggestions for wildlife passages in Xinjiang nature reserves

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.ncjsxkt4v](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.ncjsxkt4v)

## Description of the data and file structure

The expansion of linear infrastructure significantly threatens biodiversity, necessitating comprehensive multi-species research and studies on regional differences. We surveyed and monitored wildlife passages in eight nature reserves in Xinjiang, assessing their construction status, utilization patterns, and key factors influencing utilization rates, and proposing optimization suggestions. Infrared camera monitoring technology widely applied in wildlife passage utilization studies was used here. Cameras were set at 0.5-1 meters above the ground, angled slightly downward, avoiding direct sunlight or reflective objects. Camera performance and settings are shown in Table 2. Data was collected for at least three months per monitoring point to account...,