Adaptive monitoring: using citizen scientists to track wolf populations when winter-track counts become unreliable

摘要: Abstract Context In many countries, annual wolf surveys based on snow-track counts have become unreliable because of inconsistent snow coverage. We considered incidental observations by volunteers throughout the year as an alternative monitoring protocol. Aims recruited interested citizens Lithuania, including hunters, foresters and farmers, to estimate distribution, abundance, pack numbers group size from 2015 2018. Methods Observation-based records wolves were collected using simple questionnaires that included time, location method observation (e.g. track, scat, vocalisation or prey-kill remains). summarised 979 reports 1938 observed wolves. Key results Volunteer suggested increase in distribution abundance The number packs was estimated be at least 100 2018, increased 3.6, share single decreased 56% 40% Conclusions found volunteer can provide useful information numbers. Our support previous expanding populations Baltic region. Implications Results our citizen-science effort Nature Research Centre Lithuanian Hunters Fishers Association been accepted Ministry Environment a complement other Lithuania should aid developing informed wolf-management policy.