Use of spatial capture–recapture to estimate density of Andean bears in northern Ecuador

摘要: The Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is the only extant species of in South America and considered threatened across its range endangered Ecuador. Habitat loss fragmentation a critical threat to species, there lack knowledge regarding distribution abundance. thought occur at low densities, making field studies designed estimate abundance or density challenging. We conducted pilot camera-trap study recently identified population bears northwest Quito, Ecuador, during 2012. compared 12 candidate spatial capture–recapture models including covariates on encounter probability estimated 7.45 bears/100 km2 within region. In addition, we that approximately 40 used named corridor established by Secretary Environment, produced map for this area. Use rub-post with vanilla scent attractant allowed us capture numerous photographs each event, improving our ability identify individual unique facial markings. This provides first empirically derived Ecuador should provide direction future landscape-scale interested conservation initiatives requiring spatially explicit estimates density.