IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Dillon, A.; Kelly, M. | |
| Estimating Ocelot Densities in Belize Using Camera Trapping and Radio Telemetry Techniques | |
| 2007 Conference Proceeding | |
We estimated ocelot density in the broadleaf rainforest of western Belize by conducting 5 camera trapping surveys from Jan 2002 - Jun 2004. To collect data on home range size, we radio collared six ocelots (three male, three female) from Sep 2003 - Aug 2004. Density estimates ranged from 10.79 to 53.68 ocelots per 100 km2 when using traditional « mean maximum distance moved (MMDM) camera trapping methods to estimate the radius of an ocelot's home range. However, density estimates were negatively related to camera spacing and a final ocelot density estimate of 25.82-25.88 per 100 km2 was determined. 100% MCP and 95% fixed kernel home ranges were determined for individual ocelots during each wet and dry season, resulting in average radii of 2.16 to 3.54 km. Male and female ocelots showed extensive home range overlap both among and between sexes. Density estimates determined using actual seasonal home range radii were lower than estimates determined from traditional « MMDM camera trapping methodology, suggesting that traditional methodology may underestimate density. This study provides the first density estimate for ocelots in Central America, gives new information on ocelot home range size and overlap, and highlights the differences in methodologies used to determine density. |
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