Communication behavior of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia): understanding marking-behavior patterns to optimize camera-trapping studies

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 79(3)

Опубликована: Фев. 17, 2025

Язык: Английский

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

Wildlife Biology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Апрель 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.

Язык: Английский

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Revealing functional responses in habitat selection of rocky features and rugged terrain by Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) using LiDAR data

Landscape Ecology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 39(7)

Опубликована: Июнь 20, 2024

Abstract Context Many carnivores are attracted to rugged terrain, rocky areas, and conspicuous relief features. However, most of the previous research is limited general topographical habitat characteristics rarely consider effects microhabitat characteristics. Objectives We used Eurasian lynx ( Lynx ) as a model species investigate human infrastructure on selection. also tested whether there evidence for functional response in selection across large gradient availability. Methods developed new approach detecting outcrops from airborne LiDAR data. In combination with other remote sensing techniques GPS-telemetry data, we assessed responses two geologically contrasting areas Europe. Results detected > 1 million confirmed their strong by lynx. selected steep, rugged, especially day-resting sites. Furthermore, avoided paths during day but them linear anthropogenic night, indicating behaviour-specific impact infrastructure. observed lynx’ such habitats increased lower This highlights importance preserving terrains, when they rare landscape. Conclusions Our results highlight incorporating data features animal research. recommend caution developing recreation or promoting its use near geomorphological terrain.

Язык: Английский

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Molecular analysis of scats revealed diet and prey choice of grey wolves and Eurasian lynx in the contact zone between the Dinaric Mountains and the Alps

Frontiers in Zoology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 21(1)

Опубликована: Март 19, 2024

Abstract A comprehensive understanding of the dietary habits carnivores is essential to get ecological insights into their role in ecosystem, potential competition with other carnivorous species, and effect on prey populations. Genetic analysis non-invasive samples, such as scats, can supplement behavioural or microscopic diet investigations. The objective this study was employ DNA metabarcoding accurately determine species grey wolf ( Canis lupus ) Eurasian lynx Lynx scat samples collected Julian Alps Dinaric Mountains, Slovenia. primary wolves were red deer Cervus elaphus (detected 96% samples), European roe Capreolus capreolus (68%), wild boar Sus scrofa (45%). smaller portion consisted mesocarnivores, small mammals, domestic animals. In contrast, mostly (82%) (64%). However, mammals animals also present diet, albeit a lesser extent. Our findings indicate that are influenced by geographical location. Snapshot analyses using valuable for comprehending behaviour ecology predators, devising conservation measures aimed at sustainable management both natural habitats gain more detailed impact, it would be conduct long-term genetic monitoring diet.

Язык: Английский

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Status assessment of a recently reintroduced eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) population in the Palatinate Forest, South-West Germany

European Journal of Wildlife Research, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 70(3)

Опубликована: Май 15, 2024

Abstract To reinforce Eurasian lynx populations in central Europe, 20 from Slovakia and Switzerland were translocated to the Palatinate Forest between 2016 2020. Using a systematic camera trapping array consisting of 80 sites 1,000 km² study area located centre approximately 1,800 Forest, we aim describe status population final stages reintroduction project winter spring 2019/20 2020/21. We also use our data provide first estimate density newly established population. With an 0.52 independent individuals per 100 km², was still significantly lower than densities well-established reintroduced populations. The number detected decreased 15 11 2020/21, thus below translocated. low abundance can be explained by dispersal several Vosges (France), which, together with form continuous suitable habitat 8,000 km². Our results may reflect young that expand over potentially large area. Nevertheless, light density, strongly recommend synchronized harmonized transboundary monitoring program keep track development this important Franco-German In case remains low, supportive measures need considered.

Язык: Английский

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Saving the Dinaric lynx: multidisciplinary monitoring and stakeholder engagement support large carnivore restoration in human-dominated landscape

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Окт. 17, 2024

Abstract Translocations are central to large carnivore restoration efforts, but inadequate monitoring often inhibits effective conservation decision-making. Extinctions, reintroductions, poaching and high inbreeding levels of the Central European populations Eurasian lynx ( Lynx ) typify challenges in Anthropocene. Recently, several efforts were initiated improve genetic demographic status, met with variable success. Here, we report on a successful, stakeholder-engaged translocation effort reinforce highly-inbred Dinaric population create new stepping-stone subpopulation Southeastern Alps. We used multidisciplinary internationally-coordinated using systematic camera- trapping, non-invasive sampling, GPS-tracking translocated remnant individuals, recording reproductive events interspecific interactions, as well simultaneous tracking public stakeholders’ support before, during after process across three countries. Among 22 wild-caught Carpathian lynx, 68% successfully integrated into local ecosystems at least 59% reproduced. Probability dispersing from release areas was 3-times lower when soft-release rather than hard-release method used. Translocated individuals had natural mortality, higher success similar ungulate kill rates compared lynx. Cooperation hunters protected area managers enabled us conduct multi-year camera-trapping 12,000-km 2 transboundary area. Results indicate reversal decline, abundance increased for >40% 4-year period. Effective decreased 0.32 0.08-0.19, suggesting 2- 4-fold increase fitness. Furthermore, successful establishment represents an important step towards restoring metapopulation. Robust partnerships communities coupled transparent communication helped maintain stakeholder throughout process. Lessons learned about importance involvement conducted countries provide example further restore carnivores human-dominated ecosystems.

Язык: Английский

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Lynx in the Eye of the Camera: Presence and Activity of Eurasian Lynx (Lynx Lynx) Across Multiple Seasons and Years in the Polish Carpathian Mountains

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2025

Over the last century, large carnivore populations in Europe were severely depleted. By 1950s, only five of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) persisted isolated ranges, including L. l. carpathicus subspecies within Carpathian Mountains. Although this population today is an important source genetic diversity for reintroduction and recolonisation, little research has focused on its occurrence activity Polish Carpathians. The main objective study was to evaluate dynamic structure across space time. We conducted a continuous 5-year (2015-2019) using camera traps how detections varied (1) years between four seasons, (2) diel periods (3) their social status. recorded 2261 20 trap locations, with 89% records one solitary individual per detection 10% females cubs, remaining 1% adult pairs. While solitaries detected all families utilised 9 locations. Based generalised linear model, increased during breeding period from January till March. Additionally, number decreased at night compared daylight (p<0.001) twilight (p<0.001). Families individuals season more active day. Our results indicate that promote conservation area, wildlife managers may consider maintaining areas limited human disturbance, especially season.

Язык: Английский

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Hierarchical image classification using transfer learning to improve deep learning model performance for amazon parrots

Scientific Reports, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 15(1)

Опубликована: Янв. 30, 2025

Abstract Numerous studies have proven the potential of deep learning models for classifying wildlife. Such can reduce workload experts by automating species classification to monitor wild populations and global trade. Although typically perform better with more input data, available wildlife data are ordinarily limited, specifically rare or endangered species. Recently, citizen science programs helped accumulate valuable but such is still not enough achieve best performance compared benchmark datasets. Recent applied hierarchical a given dataset improve model accuracy. This study transfer Amazon parrot Specifically, hierarchy was built based on diagnostic morphological features. Upon evaluating performance, outperformed non-hierarchical in detecting parrots. Notably, achieved mean Average Precision (mAP) 0.944, surpassing mAP 0.908 model. Moreover, improved accuracy between morphologically similar The outcomes this may facilitate monitoring trade parrots conservation purposes.

Язык: Английский

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A Decade of Monitoring the Critically Endangered Balkan Lynx in its Core Area: Insights from Spatial Capture Recapture Models

Global Ecology and Conservation, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown, С. e03615 - e03615

Опубликована: Май 1, 2025

Язык: Английский

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Multidisciplinary monitoring and stakeholder engagement support large carnivore restoration in human‐dominated landscape

Ecological Applications, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 35(3)

Опубликована: Апрель 1, 2025

Abstract Translocations are central to large carnivore restoration efforts, but inadequate monitoring often inhibits effective conservation decision‐making. Extinctions, reintroductions, illegal killings, and high inbreeding levels of the Central European populations Eurasian lynx ( Lynx ) typify challenges in Anthropocene. Recently, several efforts were initiated improve genetic demographic status met with variable success. Here, we report on successful, stakeholder‐engaged translocation across three countries aimed to: (1) reinforce Dinaric population that was suffering from (2) create a new stepping‐stone subpopulation neighboring Southeastern Alps help connect Alpine populations. To evaluate success these used multidisciplinary internationally coordinated using systematic camera trapping, non‐invasive sampling, GPS tracking, recording reproductive events interspecific interactions, as well simultaneous tracking public stakeholders' support before, during, after translocations. Among 22 translocated wild‐caught Carpathian lynx, 68% successfully integrated into local ecosystems, at least 59% reproduced. The probability dispersing release areas times lower soft‐release method than hard‐release method. Translocated individuals had substantially natural mortality higher success, while their ecological impact similar compared remnant population. Cooperation hunters protected area managers enabled us conduct multi‐year camera‐trapping 12,000‐km 2 transboundary area. Results indicate reversal decline, abundance increased for >40% during 4‐year period. Effective decreased 0.32 0.08–0.19, suggesting twofold fourfold increase fitness. Furthermore, successful establishment represents an important step toward restoring metapopulation. Robust partnerships communities hunters, coupled transparent communication, helped maintain stakeholder throughout efforts. Lessons learned about importance involvement conducted provide example further restore carnivores human‐dominated ecosystems.

Язык: Английский

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