IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Pamplin, F.A. | |
| Optimising the value of by-catch from _Lynx lynx_ camera trap surveys in the Swiss Jura Region | |
| 2013 Full Book | |
In order to effectively manage wildlife populations and to evaluate the results of conservation interventions, wildlife managers must first identify ways of measuring population size and geographic distribution of target species. However, the expense and logistics of running surveillance programs for multiple species can be prohibitive. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of camera trap data that had been collected as part of an ongoing monitoring program for Lynx lynx in the Swiss Jura mountains, as a source of information about other wildlife species. Using a photographic data bank from the 60 day 2012-2103 winter survey, images were analysed to assess species richness, distribution and the feasibility of conducting occupancy modelling using PRESENCE software. Unlike camera trap surveys designed to estimate abundance within a capture-recapture framework, occupancy modelling does not rely on recognition of individual animals and may provide a reasonable alternative for assessing population status and trends. The findings of this study demonstrate the value of camera trap by-catch as a source of quantifiable information for species sympatric to lynx. Of a total 2902 wildlife images from 61 camera trap locations, 97.4% photos were of species not specifically targeted within the sampling protocol. The data set of photographs collected for secondary species; roe deer, boar, chamois, badger, fox and hare were sufficiently large to provide robust indicators of species distribution and richness for the study area. Considerably less data were captured for the smaller species, wildcat, beech marten and pine marten. Occupancy modelling was possible for those species with adequate sample size. However lack of model fit was a problem across all of the species, suggesting that the environmental covariates that had been selected for modelling purposes are not strong predictors of occupancy. This study demonstrates the value of camera traps as a tool for multi-species monitoring programs, even when the original sampling protocol is designed around one target species. |
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