Population abundance estimates in conservation and biodiversity research

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 39(6), P. 515 - 523

Published: March 19, 2024

Language: Английский

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Environmental variability across space and time drives the recolonization pattern of a historically persecuted large carnivore

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 122(5)

Published: Jan. 27, 2025

Wildlife populations are not static. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors affect individuals, which lead to spatiotemporal variation in population density range. Yet, dynamics their drivers rarely documented, due part the inherent difficulty of studying long-term population-level phenomena at ecologically meaningful scales. We studied a recolonizing large carnivore population, wolverine Gulo gulo , across Scandinavian Peninsula over nine years. fitted open-population spatial capture-recapture models noninvasive genetic sampling data collected Norway Sweden estimate annual surfaces drivers. This approach allowed us model sex-specific changes effect landscape-level environmental determinants time. Our results revealed that, as wolverines successfully recolonized many parts historical range Scandinavia, relationship with has changed also found support for responses differences temporal relationships, indicating disproportionate recolonization ability anthropogenic pressures. observed significant female several during study period, suggesting still ongoing expansion whereas males might have already reached limits. These findings show that is recovering from centuries persecution severe contraction. sheds light on challenges carnivores human-dominated landscapes time space.

Language: Английский

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Hunter‐engaged monitoring of the Eurasian lynx during the reinforcement process

Wildlife Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 18, 2025

Collaborative wildlife monitoring programs involving citizen scientists are an efficient approach for surveying large areas. In Europe, hunters play important role in and act as crucial stakeholders carnivore conservation. The Eurasian lynx Lynx , elusive felid, is a species of conservation concern Europe. Slovenia, was exterminated later reintroduced 1973, but the population has declined during past decades. A reinforcement program initiated 2017, translocating from Carpathian to improve status critically endangered Dinaric population. coupled with intensive program, local key participants. this study, we show how collaboration between managers, researchers resulted robust assessment at national level period five years. Questionnaires distributed hunting clubs chance observations were used define expected distribution, guide extent systematic camera trapping surveys, 63 101 each year. southern core population, density doubled (from 0.66 1.30 lynx/100 km 2 ). north‐western Slovenia where stepping‐stone Alps established 2021, number increased seven. Furthermore, all three translocated females reproduced, which represents first confirmed reproduction Slovenian over 150 We discuss motivation behind hunters' contribution data collection process implications collaboration. highlight importance maintaining their support This study serves example large‐scale collaborative recovering undergoing measures promising results, scientists.

Language: Английский

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A review of spatial capture–recapture: Ecological insights, limitations, and prospects

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 12(1)

Published: Dec. 21, 2021

Abstract First described by Efford (2004), spatial capture–recapture (SCR) has become a popular tool in ecology. Like traditional capture–recapture, SCR methods account for imperfect detection when estimating ecological parameters. In addition, use the information inherent configuration of individual detections, thereby allowing spatially explicit estimation population parameters, such as abundance, survival, and recruitment. Paired with advances noninvasive survey methods, been applied to wide range species across different habitats, population‐ landscape‐level inferences direct consequences conservation management. I conduct literature review studies published since first description method provide an overview their scope terms questions answered this tool, taxonomic groups targeted, geography, spatio‐temporal extent analyses, data collection methods. approaches analytical implementation parameters targeted conclude current limitations future directions

Language: Английский

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Estimating distribution and abundance of wide‐ranging species with integrated spatial models: Opportunities revealed by the first wolf assessment in south‐central Italy

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(5)

Published: May 1, 2024

Estimating demographic parameters for wide-ranging and elusive species living at low density is challenging, especially the scale of an entire country. To produce wolf distribution abundance estimates whole south-central portion Italian population, we developed integrated spatial model, based on data collected during a 7-month sampling campaign in 2020-2021. Data collection comprised extensive survey presence signs, intensive 13 areas, aimed collecting non-invasive genetic samples (NGS). The model (i) single-season, multiple data-source, multi-event occupancy (ii) spatially explicit capture-recapture model. information about species' absence was used to inform local estimates. We also performed simulation-based assessment, estimate best conditions optimizing sub-sampling population modelling future. estimated that 74.2% study area Italy (95% CIs = 70.5% 77.9%) occupied by wolves, total extent 108,534 km

Language: Английский

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Geostatistical capture–recapture models

Spatial Statistics, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 59, P. 100817 - 100817

Published: Feb. 6, 2024

Language: Английский

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Using heterogeneous camera-trapping sites to obtain the first density estimates for the transboundary Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) population in the Dinaric Mountains

Biodiversity and Conservation, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 32(10), P. 3199 - 3216

Published: June 18, 2023

Abstract Estimating abundance of wild animal populations is crucial for their management and conservation. While spatial capture-recapture models are becoming increasingly common to assess the densities elusive species, recent studies have indicated potential bias that can be introduced by unaccounted variation detectability. We used camera-trapping data collected in collaboration with local hunters from a transnational population survey Eurasian lynx ( Lynx ) Slovenia Croatia, provide first density estimate threatened Northern Dinaric Mountains. Population was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.60–1.16) lynx/100 km 2 , which comparable other reintroduced Europe. Furthermore, we showed baseline detection rate influenced type site used, as well sex individual behavioural response. Scent-marking sites had on average 1.6- 2.5-times higher compared roads locations, respectively. behaviour several mammals, selecting attracts targeted species increase rates, especially rare cryptic species. But show use different location types camera trapping estimates if not homogenously distributed across surveyed area. This highlights importance incorporating only characteristics (e.g., sex), but also information surveys into densities.

Language: Английский

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Wolverine density distribution reflects past persecution and current management in Scandinavia

Ecography, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 2023(9)

Published: June 23, 2023

After centuries of intense persecution, several large carnivore species in Europe and North America have experienced a rebound. Today's spatial configuration populations has likely arisen from the interplay between their ecological traits current environmental conditions, but also history persecution protection. Yet, due to challenge studying population‐level phenomena, we are rarely able disentangle quantify influence past present factors driving distribution density these controversial species. Using capture‐recapture models data set 742 genetically identified wolverines Gulo gulo collected over ½ million km 2 across entire range Norway Sweden, identify landscape‐level explaining population Scandinavian Peninsula. Distance relict along Swedish–Norwegian border, where wolverine survived long remains key determinant today. However, regional differences management conditions played an important role shaping patterns present‐day density. Specifically, found evidence slower recolonization areas that had lower goals terms desired number annual reproductions. Management transboundary at biologically relevant scales may be inhibited by administrative fragmentation. as our study shows, monitoring is achievable prerequisite for comprehensive understanding carnivores increasingly anthropogenic landscape.

Language: Английский

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Stress‐Testing Monitoring Design to Lock in Conservation Success

Austral Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 50(2)

Published: Jan. 30, 2025

ABSTRACT Effective monitoring of threatened species is key to identifying trends in populations and informing conservation management decisions. However, clearly defined questions that are informed by local circumstances traits commonly neglected. We propose a decision framework as guide prioritise what data collect methods use for population monitoring. applied our trial Gang‐gang Cockatoos ( Callocephalon fimbriatum ), threatened, iconic Southeast Australia. To meet program objectives, we trailed distance sampling surveys estimate abundance across the urban landscape Australian Capital Territory. Despite consistently high reporting rates study area, detection were too low Cockatoos. As part assessing appropriateness an approach, simulated under hypothetically inflated survey effort size. Simulations show even if field was doubled or size improbably high, detections would remain be practical approach. then revisit make new recommendations future demonstrate importance clear when evaluating how best achieve goals context methodological uncertainty. The first steps designing implementing crucial—our offers practitioners clear, reasoned approach deciding which needed address their along with contingencies plans go awry.

Language: Английский

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Effects of prescribed fire on body condition, injury frequency, and recapture of reptiles in Mediterranean-type eucalypt forests

Forest Ecology and Management, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 586, P. 122683 - 122683

Published: April 4, 2025

Language: Английский

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