Spatially explicit population estimates for black bears based on cluster sampling

摘要: We estimated abundance and density of the 5 major black bear (Ursus americanus) subpopulations (i.e., Eglin, Apalachicola, Osceola, Ocala-St. Johns, Big Cypress) in Florida, USA with spatially explicit capture-mark-recapture (SCR) by extracting DNA from hair samples collected at barbed-wire sampling sites. employed a clustered configuration sites arranged 3 × 3 clusters spaced 2 km apart within each cluster centers 16 km (center to center). surveyed all encompassing 38,960 km2 during 2014 2015. Several landscape variables, most associated forest cover, helped refine estimates for we sampled. Detection probabilities were affected site-specific behavioral responses coupled individual capture heterogeneity sex. Model-averaged population ranged 120 (95% CI = 59–276) bears or mean 0.025 bears/km2 CI = 0.011–0.44) Eglin subpopulation 1,198 CI = 949–1,537) 0.127 CI = 0.101–0.163) Johns subpopulation. The total estimate our study areas was 3,916 CI = 2,914–5,451). method information on land cover efficient allowed us across extensive that would not have been possible otherwise. Clustered combined capture-recapture methods has potential provide rigorous wide array species are heterogeneous their distribution. © 2017 Wildlife Society.