IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Swanepoel, L.H. | |
| Second density estimation of leopards on Welgevonden Private Game Reserve - Fifth progress report | |
| 2009 Full Book | |
Results from the lure test (Progress Report 4) indicated that rotten eggs and fermented fish were better baits at stopping leopards in front of the camera traps. Armed with these mixtures of bait, I set out to survey Welgevonden once again to gain an estimate of leopard density for the reserve. In addition to the baits, I also lengthen the survey days to increase the probability of recaptures needed for a precise density estimation. The survey was done in the dry season to avoid interference from rain. Rain can wash away the smell from the bait, meaning that I need to check the camera traps more regularly. Results presented here are a mere tip of the iceberg and a more complete report will follow in future. 55 of 73 images of leopard could be used for identification. 17 different adult and 3 subadult leopards were identified (number of subadults probably underestimated). The preliminary results predicted 22 indidivual adult leopards on Welgevonden. equalling 4.5 adult leopards per 100 km2 (standard error ñ1.9). Using a population composition of 63% adult leopards and 37% subadults (including juveniles) it is estimated that there should be about 30 leopards (22 adult & 8 subadult and juveniles) on Welgevonden at a density of 6.1 leopards/100 km2. |
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