Combining detection dogs and camera traps improves minimally invasive population monitoring for the cheetah, an elusive and rare large carnivore

Ecological Solutions and Evidence, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 6(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Abstract Monitoring large carnivores is imperative for conservation planning, but difficult due to their elusive behaviour and natural rarity. Some such as the cheetah ( Acinonyx jubatus ) are particularly wide ranging often go undetected despite being present, or detected at rates too low make meaningful quantitative inferences. The combination of minimally invasive survey techniques, detection dog surveys camera traps, holds promise improving monitoring efforts carnivores. We surveyed a population within Acacia savanna biome central east Namibia, employing various search strategies trap configurations. analysed data in an occupancy framework estimated effort required confirm presence with 95% certainty. found that sign intensive field when walked road transects, detections scat by dogs were twice tracks (5/100 2.5/100 km, respectively, 7.5/100 km combined). Vehicular searches identify marking sites appear be efficient alternative complementary approach (3.8/100 km), if network available visually distinguishable. probability p cheetahs one station per sampling unit placed roads was = 0.167), increased traps identified through 0.244), particular multiple stations pooled across 0.348–0.750). minimum reliably detect each 256 2 45 10 h walking, 123 5 driving 150 nights trapping. Practical implications . showed complementing trapping can comprehensively efficiently inform occurrence patterns exceptionally wide‐ranging terrestrial carnivore. Our findings provide practical guidance designing effective programmes, which important empirically deriving distribution maps other data‐poor regions.

Language: Английский

Guidelines for evaluating the success of large carnivore reintroductions

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 28, 2024

Abstract Anthropogenic impacts have led to widespread species decline and extirpation, thereby compelling a global movement protect regenerate biodiversity through holistic ecosystem restoration including reintroductions. Yet, despite the increasing practice of conservation-driven reintroduction efforts over past century, peer-reviewed literature policy providing criteria with which evaluate stages efficacy remain limited. Without these comprehensive quantifiable metrics relative success, such drastic conservation intervention strategies cannot be objectively evaluated nor compared, hindering advancement as discipline. Herein, we systematically reviewed 227 large carnivore reintroductions 14 terrestrial mammal across 23 countries since 1930 contextualize date, from these, developed standardized framework success. We further retrospectively determined extent existing studies met towards identifying current knowledge gaps guide future efforts. Most records were Felidae (70%) reintroduced into ‘closed’ systems (69%) southern Africa (70%). Our proposed provides full suite stages, indicators, targets for evaluation, which, when applied studies, indicated that at least one-third lacked sufficient information effectively compare outcomes. This prioritized novel transparency scalability programs, is increasingly required secure sustained support impacted communities stakeholder networks. Moreover, incorporation this an tool may directly benefit recovery 30 species, while its principles more broadly taxonomic groups faunal rewilding restoration.

Language: Английский

To conserve African tropical forests, invest in the protection of its most diverse wildlife communities

Conservation Letters, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Oct. 3, 2024

Language: Английский