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Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Ungulate Use of a Natural Mineral Lick in the Hyrcanian Forests of Northern Iran: Insights from Camera-Trap Monitoring

Authors: Pouralizadeh Geleh Pordsari, Arman;

Ungulate Use of a Natural Mineral Lick in the Hyrcanian Forests of Northern Iran: Insights from Camera-Trap Monitoring

Abstract

Natural mineral licks are important focal resources for large herbivores, yet their ecological role remains poorly documented in many regions of the Middle East and western Asia. We investigated ungulate use of a natural mineral lick in the Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran using camera-trap monitoring. A single infrared camera trap was deployed at the mineral lick beginning on 7 March 2025 and operated continuously for 19 consecutive days during late winter. A total of 623 photographs and video clips were recorded. To reduce pseudoreplication, records were grouped into independent events using a 30-minute threshold between consecutive detections of the same species, resulting in 17 independent events used for analysis. Three ungulate species were recorded visiting the site: red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa). Red deer accounted for the majority of independent events, while roe deer and wild boar were recorded less frequently. Visitation occurred mainly during crepuscular and nocturnal periods. Group composition varied among species and included adult females, adult males, subadults, and juveniles. This study provides baseline information on ungulate use of a natural mineral lick in an understudied region and highlights the value of camera trapping for documenting wildlife behavior at sensitive natural resources.

Keywords

camera trapping; mineral lick; ungulates; Hyrcanian forests; no-hunting area; Deylaman–Dorfak; red deer; roe deer; wild boar; Iran

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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