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Lofroth EC, Weir RD, Davis LR, Hansen IJ. A tale of two populations: vital rates of fishers in British Columbia, Canada. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric C. Lofroth
- Boreas Ecological 5206 Old West Saanich Road Victoria British Columbia V9E 2B1 Canada
| | - Richard D. Weir
- Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy Government of British Columbia PO Box 9338 Stn Prov Govt Victoria British Columbia V8W 9M1 Canada
| | - Larry R. Davis
- Davis Environmental Ltd PO Box 306, 108 Mile Ranch British Columbia V0K 2Z0 Canada
| | - Ingebjorg Jean Hansen
- Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources and Rural Development Government of British Columbia 9000 17th Street, Dawson Creek British Columbia V1G 4A4 Canada
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2
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Portas R, Wachter B, Beytell P, Uiseb KH, Melzheimer J, Edwards S. Leopard Panthera pardus camera trap surveys in the arid environments of northern Namibia. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00237-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIn Namibia, leopards (Panthera pardus) are widely distributed, used commercially as trophy animals and are often persecuted for perceived or real predation on livestock and valuable game species outside protected areas. Therefore, leopard populations living in protected areas might be important source populations and for maintaining connectivity. Little data on their population sizes and densities are available from the northern part of the country, particularly from protected areas. Here, we estimated leopard densities using a spatial capture–recapture approach in northern Namibia: (i) the Khaudum National Park (KNP) in north-east Namibia with an annual average rainfall of 450 mm and (ii) the Lower Hoanib River (LHR) in north-west Namibia with an annual average rainfall of 25 mm. With an effort of 2430 and 2074 camera trap nights in the KNP and LHR, respectively, 11 adult female and six adult male leopards were identified in the KNP, whilst only one adult female leopard was detected once in the LHR. For the KNP, a maximum likelihood approach (using the package SECR) revealed a density estimate of 2.74 leopards/100 km2, whereas a Bayesian approach (using the package SPACECAP) revealed a density estimate of 1.83 leopards/100 km2. For the LHR, no density estimate could be determined and it is suggested that the leopard density in such an arid environment is low. These are the first leopard density estimates based on camera trap surveys provided for these protected areas and thus of importance for further monitoring programs to understand leopard population dynamics. We discuss our findings with current habitat changes and conservation measures in both study areas.
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3
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Reynolds‐Hogland M, Ramsey AB, Muench C, Pilgrim KL, Engkjer C, Erba G, Ramsey PW. Integrating video and genetic data to estimate annual age‐structured apparent survival of American black bears. POPUL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/1438-390x.12122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kristine L. Pilgrim
- USDA National Genomics Center Rocky Mountain Research Station Missoula Montana USA
| | - Cory Engkjer
- USDA National Genomics Center Rocky Mountain Research Station Missoula Montana USA
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4
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Gush WG, Wijers MC, Comley J, Sousa LL, O'Donnell H, Svensson LM, Macdonald DW, Loveridge AJ. Camera traps reveal a large population of brown hyaena on a fenced reserve in southern Zimbabwe. Afr J Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew C. Wijers
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Department of Zoology University of Oxford Oxford UK
| | - Jessica Comley
- Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group Department of Zoology and Entomology Rhodes University Grahamstown South Africa
| | - Lara L. Sousa
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Department of Zoology University of Oxford Oxford UK
| | - Holly O'Donnell
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Department of Zoology University of Oxford Oxford UK
| | | | - David W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Department of Zoology University of Oxford Oxford UK
| | - Andrew J. Loveridge
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Department of Zoology University of Oxford Oxford UK
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5
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Krohner JM, Lukacs PM, Inman R, Sauder JD, Gude JA, Mosby C, Coltrane JA, Mowry RA, Millspaugh JJ. Finding fishers: determining fisher occupancy in the Northern Rocky Mountains. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Krohner
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana 32 Campus Drive Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Paul M. Lukacs
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana 32 Campus Drive Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Robert Inman
- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks 1420 East 6th Avenue, P.O. Box 200701 Helena MT 59620 USA
| | - Joel D. Sauder
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game Clearwater Region 3316 16th Street Lewiston ID 83501 USA
| | - Justin A. Gude
- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks 1420 East 6th Avenue, P.O. Box 200701 Helena MT 59620 USA
| | - Cory Mosby
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game 600 Walnut Street Boise ID 83712 USA
| | | | - Rebecca A. Mowry
- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks 3201 Spurgin Road Missoula MT 59804 USA
| | - Joshua J. Millspaugh
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana 32 Campus Drive Missoula MT 59812 USA
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6
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Candler EM, Severud WJ, Beyer DE, Frawley B, Bump JK. Untrapped potential: Do bear hunter cameras accurately index nontarget species? CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dean E. Beyer
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources Marquette Michigan USA
| | - Brian Frawley
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources Marquette Michigan USA
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7
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Amburgey SM, Yackel Adams AA, Gardner B, Hostetter NJ, Siers SR, McClintock BT, Converse SJ. Evaluation of camera trap-based abundance estimators for unmarked populations. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 31:e02410. [PMID: 34255398 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Estimates of species abundance are critical to understand population processes and to assess and select management actions. However, capturing and marking individuals for abundance estimation, while providing robust information, can be economically and logistically prohibitive, particularly for species with cryptic behavior. Camera traps can be used to collect data at temporal and spatial scales necessary for estimating abundance, but the use of camera traps comes with limitations when target species are not uniquely identifiable (i.e., "unmarked"). Abundance estimation is particularly useful in the management of invasive species, with herpetofauna being recognized as some of the most pervasive and detrimental invasive vertebrate species. However, the use of camera traps for these taxa presents additional challenges with relevancy across multiple taxa. It is often necessary to use lures to attract animals in order to obtain sufficient observations, yet lure attraction can influence species' landscape use and potentially induce bias in abundance estimators. We investigated these challenges and assessed the feasibility of obtaining reliable abundance estimates using camera-trapping data on a population of invasive brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) in Guam. Data were collected using camera traps in an enclosed area where snakes were subject to high-intensity capture-recapture effort, resulting in presumed abundance of 116 snakes (density = 23/ha). We then applied spatial count, random encounter and staying time, space to event, and instantaneous sampling estimators to photo-capture data to estimate abundance and compared estimates to our presumed abundance. We found that all estimators for unmarked populations performed poorly, with inaccurate or imprecise abundance estimates that limit their usefulness for management in this system. We further investigated the sensitivity of these estimators to the use of lures (i.e., violating the assumption that animal behavior is unchanged by sampling) and camera density in a simulation study. Increasing the effective distances of a lure (i.e., lure attraction) and camera density both resulted in biased abundance estimates. Each estimator rarely recovered truth or suffered from convergence issues. Our results indicate that, when limited to unmarked estimators and the use of lures, camera traps alone are unlikely to produce abundance estimates with utility for brown treesnake management.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Amburgey
- Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
| | - A A Yackel Adams
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building C, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80526, USA
| | - B Gardner
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
| | - N J Hostetter
- Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
| | - S R Siers
- U.S. Department of Agriculture APHIS Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research Center, 233 Pangelinan Way, Barrigada, 96913, Guam
| | - B T McClintock
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, NOAA-NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, Washington, 98115, USA
| | - S J Converse
- U.S. Geological Survey, Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences & School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
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8
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Abstract
Abstract
Populations of carnivore species outside protected areas may be of considerable importance for conservation, as many protected areas do not provide sufficient space for viable populations. Data on carnivore population sizes and trends are often biased towards protected areas, and few studies have examined the role of unprotected areas for carnivore conservation. We used camera-trapping data and spatial capture–recapture models to estimate population densities for four sympatric carnivores: the African leopard Panthera pardus, spotted hyaena Crocuta crocuta, brown hyaena Parahyaena brunnea and African civet Civettictis civetta in Platjan, a predominantly agricultural, mixed land-use system, South Africa. Mean densities per 100 km2 for the leopard were 2.20 (95% CI 1.32–3.68) and 2.18 (95% CI 1.32–3.61) for left and right flank data, respectively; spotted hyaena, 0.22 (95% CI 0.06–0.81); brown hyaena, 0.74 (95% CI 0.30–1.88); and African civet 3.60 (95% CI 2.34–5.57; left flanks) and 3.71 (95% CI 2.41–5.72; right flanks). Our results indicate that although densities are lower than those reported for protected areas, humans and predators coexist in this unprotected agricultural matrix. We suggest that increased conservation effort should be focused in such areas, to mitigate human–carnivore conflicts. Our study improves the knowledge available for carnivore populations on privately owned, unprotected land, and may benefit conservation planning.
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9
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Klemens JA, Tripepi M, McFoy SA, Acevedo M. A motion‐detection based camera trap for small nocturnal mammals with low latency and high signal‐to‐noise ratio. Methods Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A. Klemens
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences Jefferson College of Life SciencesThomas Jefferson University Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Manuela Tripepi
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences Jefferson College of Life SciencesThomas Jefferson University Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Shane A. McFoy
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences Jefferson College of Life SciencesThomas Jefferson University Philadelphia PA USA
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10
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Blount JD, Chynoweth MW, Green AM, Şekercioğlu ÇH. Review: COVID-19 highlights the importance of camera traps for wildlife conservation research and management. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 2021; 256:108984. [PMID: 36531528 PMCID: PMC9746925 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2021.108984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has altered many aspects of everyday life. For the scientific community, the pandemic has called upon investigators to continue work in novel ways, curtailing field and lab research. However, this unprecedented situation also offers an opportunity for researchers to optimize and further develop available field methods. Camera traps are one example of a tool used in science to answer questions about wildlife ecology, conservation, and management. Camera traps have long battery lives, lasting more than a year in certain cases, and photo storage capacity, with some models capable of wirelessly transmitting images from the field. This allows researchers to deploy cameras without having to check them for up to a year or more, making them an ideal field research tool during restrictions on in-person research activities such as COVID-19 lockdowns. As technological advances allow cameras to collect increasingly greater numbers of photos and videos, the analysis techniques for large amounts of data are evolving. Here, we describe the most common research questions suitable for camera trap studies and their importance for biodiversity conservation. As COVID-19 continues to affect how people interact with the natural environment, we discuss novel questions for which camera traps can provide insights on. We conclude by summarizing the results of a systematic review of camera trap studies, providing data on target taxa, geographic distribution, publication rate, and publication venues to help researchers planning to use camera traps in response to the current changes in human activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J David Blount
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840, USA
| | - Mark W Chynoweth
- Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, Uintah Basin, 320 North Aggie Blvd., Vernal, UT 84078, USA
| | - Austin M Green
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840, USA
| | - Çağan H Şekercioğlu
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840, USA
- College of Sciences, Koç University, Rumelifeneri, İstanbul, Sarıyer, Turkey
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11
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Assumptions about fence permeability influence density estimates for brown hyaenas across South Africa. Sci Rep 2021; 11:620. [PMID: 33436644 PMCID: PMC7804016 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77188-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Wildlife population density estimates provide information on the number of individuals in an area and influence conservation management decisions. Thus, accuracy is vital. A dominant feature in many landscapes globally is fencing, yet the implications of fence permeability on density estimation using spatial capture-recapture modelling are seldom considered. We used camera trap data from 15 fenced reserves across South Africa to examine the density of brown hyaenas (Parahyaena brunnea). We estimated density and modelled its relationship with a suite of covariates when fenced reserve boundaries were assumed to be permeable or impermeable to hyaena movements. The best performing models were those that included only the influence of study site on both hyaena density and detection probability, regardless of assumptions of fence permeability. When fences were considered impermeable, densities ranged from 2.55 to 15.06 animals per 100 km2, but when fences were considered permeable, density estimates were on average 9.52 times lower (from 0.17 to 1.59 animals per 100 km2). Fence permeability should therefore be an essential consideration when estimating density, especially since density results can considerably influence wildlife management decisions. In the absence of strong evidence to the contrary, future studies in fenced areas should assume some degree of permeability in order to avoid overestimating population density.
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12
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Zemanova MA. Towards more compassionate wildlife research through the 3Rs principles: moving from invasive to non-invasive methods. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam A. Zemanova
- M. A. Zemanova (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5002-3388) ✉ , Dept of Philosophy, Univ. of Basel, Steinengraben 5, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
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13
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Dorning J, Harris S. The challenges of recognising individuals with few distinguishing features: Identifying red foxes Vulpes vulpes from camera-trap photos. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216531. [PMID: 31071143 PMCID: PMC6508734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, camera traps have revolutionised the ability of biologists to undertake faunal surveys and estimate population densities, although identifying individuals of species with subtle markings remains challenging. We conducted a two-year camera-trapping study as part of a long-term study of urban foxes: our objectives were to determine whether red foxes could be identified individually from camera-trap photos, and highlight camera-trapping protocols and techniques to facilitate photo identification of species with few or subtle natural markings. We collected circa 800,000 camera-trap photos over 4945 camera days in suburban gardens in the city of Bristol, UK: 152,134 (19%) included foxes, of which 13,888 (9%) contained more than one fox. These provided 174,063 timestamped capture records of individual foxes; 170,923 were of foxes ≥ 3 months old. Younger foxes were excluded because they have few distinguishing features. We identified the individual (192 different foxes: 110 males, 49 females, 33 of unknown sex) in 168,417 (99%) of these capture records; the remainder could not be identified due to poor image quality or because key identifying feature(s) were not visible. We show that carefully designed survey techniques facilitate individual identification of subtly-marked species. Accuracy is enhanced by camera-trapping techniques that yield large numbers of high resolution, colour images from multiple angles taken under varying environmental conditions. While identifying foxes manually was labour-intensive, currently available automated identification systems are unlikely to achieve the same levels of accuracy, especially since different features were used to identify each fox, the features were often inconspicuous, and their appearance varied with environmental conditions. We discuss how studies based on low numbers of photos, or which fail to identify the individual in a significant proportion of photos, risk losing important biological information, and may come to erroneous conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Dorning
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Stephen Harris
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Edwards S, Noack J, Heyns L, Rodenwoldt D. Evidence of a high-density brown hyena population within an enclosed reserve: the role of fenced systems in conservation. MAMMAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-019-00432-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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15
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Abstract
With the widespread extirpation of top predators over the past two centuries, mesocarnivores play an increasingly important role in structuring terrestrial trophic webs. However, mesocarnivores are difficult to survey at a population level because their widely spaced territories and nocturnal behavior result in low detection probability. Existing field survey techniques such as track plates and motion-sensitive camera traps are time-consuming and expensive, and yet still yield data prone to systematic errors. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have recently emerged as a new tool for conducting population surveys on a wide variety of wildlife, eclipsing the efficiency and even accuracy of traditional methods. We used a UAV equipped with a thermal imaging camera to conduct nighttime mesocarnivore surveys in the prairie pothole region of southern Manitoba, Canada. This was part of a much larger ecological study evaluating how lethal removal of mesocarnivores affects duck nest success. Here, our objective was to describe methods and equipment that were successful in detecting mesocarnivores. We used a modified point-count survey from six waypoints that surveyed a spatial extent of 29.5 ha. We conducted a total of 200 flights over 53 survey nights during which we detected 32 mesocarnivores of eight different species. Given the large home ranges of mesocarnivores relative to the spatial and temporal scale of our spot sampling approach, results of these types of point-count surveys should be considered estimates of minimum abundance and not a population census. However, more frequent sampling and advanced statistics could be used to formally estimate population occupancy and abundance. UAV-mounted thermal imaging cameras appear to be an effective tool for conducting nocturnal population surveys on mesocarnivores at a moderate spatial scale.
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Mattioli L, Canu A, Passilongo D, Scandura M, Apollonio M. Estimation of pack density in grey wolf ( Canis lupus) by applying spatially explicit capture-recapture models to camera trap data supported by genetic monitoring. Front Zool 2018; 15:38. [PMID: 30305834 PMCID: PMC6171198 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-018-0281-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Density estimation is a key issue in wildlife management but is particularly challenging and labour-intensive for elusive species. Recently developed approaches based on remotely collected data and capture-recapture models, though representing a valid alternative to more traditional methods, have found little application to species with limited morphological variation. We implemented a camera trap capture-recapture study to survey wolf packs in a 560-km2 area of Central Italy. Individual recognition of focal animals (alpha) in the packs was possible by relying on morphological and behavioural traits and was validated by non-invasive genotyping and inter-observer agreement tests. Two types (Bayesian and likelihood-based) of spatially explicit capture-recapture (SCR) models were fitted on wolf pack capture histories, thus obtaining an estimation of pack density in the area. Results In two sessions of camera trapping surveys (2014 and 2015), we detected a maximum of 12 wolf packs. A Bayesian model implementing a half-normal detection function without a trap-specific response provided the most robust result, corresponding to a density of 1.21 ± 0.27 packs/100 km2 in 2015. Average pack size varied from 3.40 (summer 2014, excluding pups and lone-transient wolves) to 4.17 (late winter-spring 2015, excluding lone-transient wolves). Conclusions We applied for the first time a camera-based SCR approach in wolves, providing the first robust estimate of wolf pack density for an area of Italy. We showed that this method is applicable to wolves under the following conditions: i) the existence of sufficient phenotypic/behavioural variation and the recognition of focal individuals (i.e. alpha, verified by non-invasive genotyping); ii) the investigated area is sufficiently large to include a minimum number of packs (ideally 10); iii) a pilot study is carried out to pursue an adequate sampling design and to train operators on individual wolf recognition. We believe that replicating this approach in other areas can allow for an assessment of density variation across the wolf range and would provide a reliable reference parameter for ecological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mattioli
- Settore Attività Faunistico Venatoria, Pesca Dilettantistica, Pesca in mare, Regione Toscana, Via A. Testa 2, I-52100 Arezzo, Italy
| | - Antonio Canu
- 2Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, via Vienna 2, I-07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniela Passilongo
- 2Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, via Vienna 2, I-07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Massimo Scandura
- 2Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, via Vienna 2, I-07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Marco Apollonio
- 2Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, via Vienna 2, I-07100 Sassari, Italy
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17
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Edwards S, Portas R, Hanssen L, Beytell P, Melzheimer J, Stratford K. The spotted ghost: Density and distribution of servalLeptailurus servalin Namibia. Afr J Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Edwards
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology; Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research of Berlin; Berlin Germany
- Centre for Wildlife Management; University of Pretoria; Pretoria South Africa
| | - Ruben Portas
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology; Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research of Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | | | - Piet Beytell
- Scientific Services; Ministry of Environment and Tourism; Windhoek Namibia
| | - Joerg Melzheimer
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology; Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research of Berlin; Berlin Germany
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18
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Edwards S, Cooper S, Uiseb K, Hayward M, Wachter B, Melzheimer J. Making the most of by-catch data: Assessing the feasibility of utilising non-target camera trap data for occupancy modelling of a large felid. Afr J Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Edwards
- Evolutionary Ecology; Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research; Berlin Germany
- Centre for Wildlife Management; University of Pretoria; Pretoria South Africa
| | - Sue Cooper
- Greater Fish River Canyon Landscape; Oranjemund Namibia
| | - Kenneth Uiseb
- Scientific Services; Ministry of Environment and Tourism; Windhoek Namibia
| | - Matt Hayward
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences; The University of Newcastle; Newcastle NSW Australia
| | - Bettina Wachter
- Evolutionary Ecology; Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research; Berlin Germany
| | - Joerg Melzheimer
- Evolutionary Ecology; Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research; Berlin Germany
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19
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Villette P, Krebs CJ, Jung TS. Evaluating camera traps as an alternative to live trapping for estimating the density of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) and red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-016-1064-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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20
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Fuller AK, Linden DW, Royle JA. Management decision making for fisher populations informed by occupancy modeling. J Wildl Manage 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angela K. Fuller
- U.S. Geological Survey; New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University; 211 Fernow Hall Ithaca NY 14853 USA
| | - Daniel W. Linden
- New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University; 211 Fernow Hall Ithaca NY 14853 USA
| | - J. Andrew Royle
- U.S. Geological Survey; Patuxent Wildlife Research Center; Laurel MD 20708 USA
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21
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Welch RJ, Parker DM. Brown hyaena population explosion: rapid population growth in a small, fenced system. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.1071/wr15123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
In the past 200 years, many carnivores have experienced a widespread decline in numbers and range reductions. Conservation interventions include the use of small, fenced reserves that have potential restoration benefits for conservation. Over the past 25 years, the Eastern Cape province of South Africa has seen the establishment of many small (≤440 km2) game reserves, and the reintroduction of the larger, indigenous wildlife that had been extirpated by the early 20th century, including brown hyaenas (Hyaena brunnea). These game reserves have restored the environment to a more natural state but little information exists concerning the benefits and implications of introducing elusive animals that are seldom seen after reintroduction. Fenced reserves have the potential to provide surplus animals that can be relocated for restoration purposes (where applicable) or serve as a buffer to the extinction of naturally occurring populations, but careful management is required to monitor populations appropriately, so as to avoid the costs of rapid population increase.
Aims
The reintroduction of brown hyaenas to the Eastern Cape has provided a case study to assess the role of small reserves and their potential to contribute to conservation, by determining the persistence and population growth of brown hyaenas in a small, enclosed reserve.
Methods
Estimates of brown hyaena density were calculated using a capture–recapture approach from individually identifiable images captured during a 3-month camera trapping survey.
Key results
After a single decade, the brown hyaena population increased by at least 367%, from six individuals to a minimum of 28 individuals. These results suggest that this brown hyaena population has the highest density ever recorded for the species in southern Africa.
Conclusions and Implications
Because brown hyaena populations were high relative to natural unfenced populations, high fences may provide two utilities for their conservation. Fenced reserves may provide surplus animals to support reintroductions and provide protected populations to buffer the risk of species extinction.
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Sweitzer RA, Popescu VD, Barrett RH, Purcell KL, Thompson CM. Reproduction, abundance, and population growth for a fisher (Pekania pennanti) population in the Sierra National Forest, California. J Mammal 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyv083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Kluever BM, Gese EM, Dempsey SJ, Knight RN. A comparison of methods for monitoring kit foxes at den sites. WILDLIFE SOC B 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan M. Kluever
- Department of Wildland Resources; Utah State University; Logan, UT 84322-5230; USA
| | - Eric M. Gese
- United States Department of Agriculture; Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center; UT 84322-5230; USA
| | - Steven J. Dempsey
- Department of Wildland Resources; Utah State University; Logan, UT 84322-5230; USA
| | - Robert N. Knight
- United States Army Dugway Proving Ground; Natural Resources Program; Dugway, UT 84022; USA
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Shields AV, Larsen RT, Whiting JC. Summer watering patterns of mule deer in the Great Basin Desert, USA: implications of differential use by individuals and the sexes for management of water resources. ScientificWorldJournal 2012; 2012:846218. [PMID: 23125557 PMCID: PMC3483670 DOI: 10.1100/2012/846218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the abundance and distribution of free water can negatively influence wildlife in arid regions. Free water is considered a limiting factor for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in the Great Basin Desert. Consequently, a better understanding of differential use of water by individuals and the sexes could influence the conservation and management of mule deer and water resources in their habitats. We deployed remote cameras at all known water sources (13 wildlife water developments and 4 springs) on one mountain range in western Utah, USA, during summer from 2007 to 2011 to document frequency and timing of water use, number of water sources used by males and females, and to estimate population size from individually identified mule deer. Male and female mule deer used different water sources but visited that resource at similar frequencies. Individual mule deer used few water sources and exhibited high fidelity to that resource. Wildlife water developments were frequently used by both sexes. Our results highlight the differing use of water sources by sexes and individual mule deer. This information will help guide managers when siting and reprovisioning wildlife water developments meant to benefit mule deer and will contribute to the conservation and management of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew V Shields
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, 275 WIDB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
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