Comparative evaluation of three sampling methods to estimate detection probability of American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)

摘要: Measuring changes in species distribution and understanding factors influencing site occupancy are recurring goals wildlife studies. Imperfect detection of hinders such studies, resulting the underestimation number sites occupied by interest. American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) sampled traditionally with live-traps that require substantial resources to deploy monitor. Here, we assessed whether auditory methods yield similar probabilities. We compared probability boreal forest using point counts, playback live-trapping. Over summer 2014, conducted three trapping sessions 60 within black spruce forests northwestern Quebec, Canada. also 10 min counts same sites, together recordings squirrel alarm territorial calls. Using dynamic models analyse primary periods, all composed secondary found from was as high Our results thus highlight value count method measuring occupancy.