Finding wolf homesites: improving the efficacy of howl surveys to study wolves.

摘要: Locating wolf (Canis lupus) homesites is valuable for understanding the foraging behavior, population dynamics, and reproductive ecology of wolves during summer. During this period pack members (adults pups) readily respond to simulated howls (i.e., howl surveys), which allows researchers estimate location homesite via triangulation. Confirming actual locations ground truthing labor intensive because error surrounding estimated locations. Our objectives were (1) quantify observer surveys compare amongst experience levels, (2) provide a simple method locating in field by incorporating error, (3) further document value monitoring packs throughout We located 17 2015-2017 Greater Voyageurs Ecosystem, Minnesota, USA. Of 62 bearings taken observers surveys, erred an average 7.6° ± 6.3° (SD). There was no difference between novice experienced observers. A way increase efficiency when searching search concentric areas (bands) based on specifically by: adding ±10° bands around survey ≥3 can be obtained, ±20° 2 are ±26° 1 bearing obtained. By how frequently far move homesites, it possible monitor confirm most, if not all, used from at least June until August without having collared individual pack.