Density of wild felids in Sonora, Mexico: a comparison of spatially explicit capture-recapture methods

摘要: Estimates of population density are crucial for wild felid conservation and commonly conducted using camera trapping. Spatially explicit capture-recapture (SCR) survey designs often use two cameras per station to photograph both flanks a spotted confirm identities. However, if the sampling grid is inadequate, detector devices unable capture an animal’s complete movements, may be overestimated. Density analyses incorporating identification inputs from derived unpaired stations offer cost-effective solution by doubling number available researchers. During 2008, we surveyed 164 sites jaguars, ocelots, bobcats (mean trap nights camera = 32.66, inter-trap distance = 800 m) on private ranching lands in Sonora, Mexico. We obtained 15, 52, 229 detections 9, 35, 87 stations, respectively. SCR estimates (individuals/100 km2) maximum likelihood multi-session model Bayesian spatial partial identity (SPIM) were similar: 4.61 1.54 (jaguar), 4.66 4.33 (ocelot), 15.22 15.88 (bobcat), Due insufficient recaptures only SPIM provided credible estimate jaguar density. Jaguar was one lowest reported across their distribution, which expected given Sonora’s location at periphery jaguar’s range. ocelot bobcat populations appear healthy even within unprotected ranchlands. recommend felids with any dataset containing few surveys.