Common Biases in Density Estimation Based on Home Range Overlap with Reference to Pumas in Patagonia

摘要: Density estimates are critical to proper population management and conservation, yet difficult obtain for many wide-ranging or cryptic species. One proven method used quantify carnivore density, especially species individually identify from photos taken by camera traps, utilizes overlapping home ranges of individual animals in the study area. This method, however, may be particularly prone residency extrapolation biases. Residency bias occurs when reference area density estimate is incorrect, scaling a different spatial extent than that upon which was based. We simulation approach based on GPS locations diagnose potential biases published densities pumas Puma concolor Patagonia, where Franklin et al. 1999 (Biol. Conserv. 90: 33–40) reported ‘minimum’ 6 30 per 100 km2, Elbroch Wittmer 2012a (Mammal. Biol. 77: 377–384) ...