Spatial distribution pattern of mustelids in the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Evolutionary theory predicts that the species of an evolutionarily successful taxon would not overlap in spatial distribution. To test the prediction, we document our research on the spatial associations of mustelids, an evolutionarily successful group of order Carnivore, using infrared camera trap data on species distribution collected from the national nature reserves (NNRs) of Liancheng, Wolong, Tangjiahe and Heizhugou in China in 2017-2021. Data showed seven mustelid species occurring in the study area, including , , , , , and .