Mammal occurrence records (2024) in the Valparai Plateau and Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats, India

Study Extent

Chiefly the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), Tamil Nadu, India (core zone: 958 km², 10.2160°N, 76.8160°E – 10.5660°N, 77.4160°E) and the adjoining Valparai Plateau (220 km², 10.2500°N, 76.8660°E – 10.3660°N, 76.9830°E) in the Anamalai Hills. Additional opportunistic records from the Nilgiris and Central Western Ghats.

Sampling

Opportunistic observations recorded on a form on the mobile phone application (EpiCollect5) of mammals during regular field work and travel in the study area.

Quality Control

Field identification was based on direct sightings, photographs or signs, and dataset was reviewed by colleagues. Taxa that could not be identified to species were identified to Genus or Family.

Method steps

1. The data were downloaded from EpiCollect5 website as a csv file. Three records without lcation information were discarded. It was then prepared for publication in GBIF using R code to confirm to Darwin Core terminology and formats. A raw dataset and images were also published on Zenodo (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13910696).

Mammals

1. Mammalia
   common name: Mammals rank: class

Geographic Coverage is mainly from the Anamalai Hills: 1. Location/Study Area: Valparai Plateau, Tamil Nadu, India; Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India 2. GPS coordinates: Valparai Plateau (10°15'- 10°22'N, 76°52' - 76°59'E); Anamalai Tiger Reserve (10°12' - 10°35'N, 76°49' - 77°24'E) Some additional opportunistic observations are from other parts of southern India, including the Nilgiris and central Western Ghats.