Long term monitoring of jaguars in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize; Implications for camera trap studies of carnivores

摘要: In this study, we estimate life history parameters and abundance for a protected jaguar population using camera-trap data from 14-year monitoring program (2002–2015) in Belize, Central America. We investigated the dynamics of 3,075 detection events 105 individual adult jaguars. Using robust design open models, estimated apparent survival temporary emigration heterogeneity rates across years. Survival probability was high constant among years both sexes (φ = 0.78), maximum (conservative) age recorded 14 Temporary rate random, but through time at 0.20 per year. Detection varied between sexes, individuals. Heterogeneity took form dichotomy males: those with consistently rates, low, sporadic suggesting relatively stable ‘residents’ present fluctuating layer ‘transients’. Female always low sporadic. On average, twice as many males than females were detected survey, significantly higher males. attribute sex-based differences to biases resulting social variation trail-walking behaviour. The number increased when survey period extended 3 months full Due variable ‘transient’ male subpopulation, annual estimates based on 3-month surveys had precision. To monitor changes elusive, wide-ranging, low-density species, recommend repeated over multiple years; suggest that continuous yields even further insight into elusive predator populations.