Coping with intrasexual behavioral differences: Capture-recapture abundance estimation of male cheetah.

摘要: Population estimates are a fundamental requirement of ecology and conservation. While capture-recapture models an established method for producing such estimates, their assumption homogeneous capture probabilities is problematic given that heterogeneity in individual probability inherent to most species. Such variation must be accounted by abundance models; otherwise, biased risked.Here, we investigate the performance four types estimating male cheetah Acinonyx jubatus, species with two distinct spatial tactics territorial nonterritorial (floater) males. The differences movements territory holders floaters expected result intrasexual heterogeneous probabilities. Four were used model at five territories central Namibia; (a) tactic model, (b) finite mixture both run program MARK, (c) floater-only (d) Mh CAPTURE. Camera trap data cheetah, taken frequently visited marking trees, derive true abundance. Model results compared assess accuracy estimates.Only (a), (b), able consistently produce accurate results. Mixture do not require prior knowledge regarding males, which might always available. Therefore, recommend as preferred type cheetahs.Results highlight potential overcoming challenges particular use where behavioral exist.