Comparing scat detection dogs, cameras, and hair snares for surveying carnivores

摘要: Abstract Carnivores typically require large areas of habitat, exist at low natural densities, and exhibit elusive behavior—characteristics that render them difficult to study. Noninvasive survey methods increasingly provide means collect extensive data on carnivore occupancy, distribution, abundance. During the summers 2003–2004, we compared abilities scat detection dogs, remote cameras, hair snares detect black bears (Ursus americanus), fishers (Martes pennanti), bobcats (Lynx rufus) 168 sites throughout Vermont. All 3 detected bears; neither nor were by snares. Scat dogs yielded highest raw rate probability (given presence) for each target species, as well greatest number unique detections (i.e., occasions when only one method species). We estimated mean detecting species during a single visit site with detectio...