Methodological problems related to spotlight count as a census technique for Lepus europaeus in an alpine environment

摘要: Population estimations are necessary for effective conservation management. In Italy, brown hare populations commonly censused by spotlighting, but this method does not seem to suit an alpine environment due its vegetational and orographical complexity. The aim of study is evaluate the critical aspects related spotlight census in environment. Spotlight was carried out along two transects a typical Observed animals were used define density (number animal seen/100 ha) precision (coefficient variation (CV) applied monthly repeated observations). Animal detectability evaluated using half-normal function with cosine expansion (Distance 5.0®). observability analyzing estimates habitat conformation (unseen areas or full visibility). exact surface surveyed spotlighting evaluated, defining observation beam range (OTA) land useful sighting (LUS). end, LUS classified three patches according presence: no hares, occasional presence, constant presence. To influence onto CV, we bootstrap simulation. results show that alone most suitable apply because structure highly influences results. Recommendations improve surveys monitoring European given.