Hide and seek: extended camera-trap session lengths and autumn provide best parameters for estimating lynx densities in mountainous areas

摘要: A tool commonly used in wildlife biology is density estimation via camera-trap monitoring coupled with capture–recapture analysis. Reliable regional estimations of animal populations are required as a basis for management decisions. However, these affected by the session design, such length session, season, and number trap sites. This method regularly to monitor Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) which mostly occupy forested mountain ranges Central Europe. Here we intensive field sampling data major European population investigate (1) optimal considering trade-off between closure recaptures estimates, (2) time window within year stability detection probability, recapture number, reproduction, (3) sites spacing achieve robust estimates. Using two tests, found that 80 days minimum ensure adequate quality. spatially explicit model revealed best period be late summer early winter. Based on our results, recommend similar units comparable size (~300 km2) numbers sample at least autumn traps spaced about every 2.5–3 km. Our results also indicated stable estimates could still maintained when area enlarged 760 km2 5–6 km if lengths increased.