IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Garrote, G.; de Ayala, R.P.; Telleria, J.L. | |
| A comparison of scat counts and camera-trapping as means of assessing Iberian lynx abundance | |
| 2014 European Journal of Wildlife Research (60): 885-889 | |
Rigorous cost-effective census methods are an essential part of managing wild animal populations, particularly if the involved species require continuous monitoring. In recent years, the range and size of the Iberian lynx (_Lynx pardinus_) population have increased notably as a result of conservation programs. Given this expansive scenario, monitoring Iberian lynx using camera-traps may become logistically and financially unfeasible. Here, we test whether or not scat counts are as efficient as camera-trapping in predicting lynx densities and compare the cost of these two approaches to lynx monitoring. We found a significant positive linear relationship between these two methods of assessing Iberian lynx abundance. Lynx abundance assessment by scat counting was six times less expensive than camera-trapping; there was no significant effect of the two study areas on the observed patterns (GL; F1,7 = 45.81, P<0.001). Our study shows that scat counting is a non-invasive cost-effective method that can provide reliable assessments of Iberian lynx abundance. However, if comparisons are to be made, censuses should be carried out (a) under as nearly identical conditions as possible and (b) in the same season. A number of different factors affect scat abundance, and in order to improve counts, it would be of great interest to evaluate the potential effect of the factors that cause scat estimates to vary. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |