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The dhole ( Cuon alpinus), a canid, is categorized as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List and is listed as a category II protected species in China. Presence-absence data are extremely rare in western China, and possible existence of remnant populations of dholes is not clear. Here, we document new records of dhole in a protected area in an arid region of the Altun Mountains in Xinjiang Autonomous Region in western China. From a total of 4517 camera-trap days at ten water sites between 2011 and 2013, we obtained seven independent records of dhole at three sites. Additionally, another reserve in Gansu Province which is located near Altun Mountains also recorded the species through camera-trap surveys. Our results indicate that dhole populations exist in the vast arid region of the Altun Mountains, and the current distribution of the dhole might be widespread in western China. We suggest that conservation efforts in this region should focus on minimizing the persecution and poaching of both dholes and their prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are significant gaps in our knowledge of wild camel ecology; especially the activity patterns that allow them to adapt to desert environments. The wild Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) is a critically endangered species that survives in the extreme desert conditions of Central Asia. We conducted camera trapping surveys at seven watering sites in the northern piedmont of the Altun Mountains from 2010 to 2012. We analyzed the frequency of photo-captures to elucidate the wild camels' diel activity patterns, and the seasonal variation in their activity at watering sites. We found that these wild camels were predominantly diurnal at watering sites, with an increase in relative activity from sunrise, reaching a peak toward midday, and then gradually decreasing in activity until sunset. The camels visited watering sites more often in winter than in summer. These results provide a guide for water development in the conservation of ungulates in arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]