Mammal occurrence records (2020-23) 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, 10.2160N, 76.8160E – 10.5660N, 77.4160E) and the adjoining Valparai Plateau (220 km², 10.250N, 76.8660E – 10.3660N, 76.9830E) in the Anamalai Hills.

Sampling

Opportunistic observations recorded on a form on the mobile phone application 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 curated datasets, along with photographs, was first uploaded to Zenodo (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11903722). Using R code, the dataset was transformed into Darwin Core format for upload to GBIF.

The dataset comprises mostly mammals (Class: Mammalia). However, a few incidental observations of reptilians are also included.,

1. Mammalia
   common name: Mammals rank: class
2. Squamata
   common name: Reptiles rank: class

Valparai Plateau and Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India. 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)