Sniffing out the stakes: hair-snares for wild cats in arid environments

摘要: Context Wild cats (Felis spp.) are difficult to monitor because of their cryptic lifestyle and usually low numbers. Hair-snaring is a promising non-invasive method being used increasingly estimate mammal populations. Aims Our aim was carry out pilot trials simple hair-snare designed capture hair from wild in arid environments. Methods Roughened wooden stakes were set at multiple sites on the crests sand dunes swales western Queensland, Australia, mostly sandy habitats Namib Kalahari Deserts, Namibia. In sprayed with cat urine, extracts catnip or valerian herbs as lures, left untreated; Namibia, alternate food lure tuna emulsion oil. The checked for hair, daily, 2–14 days, surrounding ground inspected tracks. Remote cameras also some confirm identity visitors stakes. Key results feral catus) attracted to, hairs on, urine six times more frequently than unsprayed irrespective whether snares dune swales, showed no response valerian. Tracks photos that cats, dingoes dogs (Canis lupus ssp.) foxes (Vulpes vulpes) approached sniffed F. catus, lybica nigripes stakes, deposition rates two half-fold higher without it. At least five other species predators visited sites. Conclusions Simple provide cheap snaring especially if conjunction appropriate lures. broadly support previous work, extend utility different Felis spp. habitats. Implications Further research needed investigate seasonal efficiency If DNA be extracted identify individuals, work yield sufficient quality allow this.