IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Schipper, J.; Gonzalez, J.F.; Srbek Araujo, A.C. | |
| Understanding the Effect of Study Design on Estimates of Species Density: Camera-Trapping Jaguar _Panthera onca_ and their Prey | |
| 2007 Conference Proceeding | |
The use of camera-trap surveys to study rare and elusive species is rapidly becoming the standard for gaining knowledge about absolute density and other population parameters. The lack of a standard approach makes comparisons between sites very difficult and results in poor assessments of conservation status at the species level. A diversity of density estimates exist for jaguar _Panthera onca_, yet patterns in the data likely reflect data collection methods and not regional variations. One reason for the variation in density estimates is the lack of standards for parameterization of variables used in a study designs, including distance between cameras, buffer zone distance, number of traps, and area sampled. In this study we examine the effect which study design can have on estimates of density for jaguar using two methods. First we conduct a literature review to understand the historical context and to explore the diversity of study design, density estimates and protocols used to date. Secondly we design an experiment by adjusting the standard parameters within a camera-trapping survey of a known population on jaguar in Costa Rica. Our findings demonstrate the need to both standardize methods in study design and develop new tools for the analysis of camera-trap data. |
|
 |
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) |