Protected by dragons: Density surface modeling confirms large population of the critically endangered Yellow-crested Cockatoo on Komodo Island

摘要: Intense trapping of the critically endangered Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) for international pet trade has devastated its populations across Indonesia such that >100 individuals remain at only a handful sites. We combined distance sampling with density surface modeling (DSM) to predict local densities and estimate total population size one these areas, Komodo Island, part National Park (KNP) in Indonesia. modeled based on topography (topographic wetness index) habitat types (percentage palm savanna deciduous monsoon forest). Our 1,113 (95% CI: 587–2,109) Island was considerably larger than previous conservative estimates. maps showed cockatoos be absent over much island, but present high wooded valleys. Coincidence between our DSM set independent cockatoo observations (93%). Standardized annual counts by KNP staff selected areas island increases records from <400 2011 ∼650 2017. Taken together, results indicate KNP, alongside indeed because preserving iconic dragons (Varanus komodoensis), is succeeding protecting significant Indonesia's rarest species. To knowledge this first time been applied findings highlight potential locating abundance hotspots, identifying associations, estimating global range threatened taxa, especially if datasets can used validate model predictions.LAY SUMMARYYellow-crested Cockatoos are extinction due illegal trade. supports largest remaining populations. The Park, famous dragons. A 2006 survey indicated numbers might have declining.In contrast surveys we sampled whole instead focusing coastal valleys, which known harbor highest densities. modeling, allowed us how many remained undetected produce map predicted densities.We there 600 2,100 Komodo, most likely ∼1,100. authorities also reported an increase their below 400 around 650 Thus, large stable; successfully cockatoos.