Gauging the impact of management expertise on the distribution of large mammals across protected areas

摘要: Aim The world's network of protected areas (PAs) plays a critical role in biodiversity conservation. The management expertise within PAs is function the training, support and depth staff tasked with protecting resources should be significant factor determining distribution wildlife species. However, there are few measurable linkages between populations effectiveness. Here, we addressed whether PA an important covariate explaining occupancy large terrestrial mammals, identify attributes mammal species that would effective for comparative monitoring effectiveness developing countries. Location Six giant panda region, south-west China. Methods We used systematic camera-trapping as primary field methodology to detect presence mammals expert scoring assess level these PAs. Occupancy modelling logistic regression were determine those adequate detections control ecological covariates compare differences sampled PAs. Results Thirty-eight recorded total sampling effort 16,521 camera-days at 722 sample sites. Among 14 examined Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) was most detected (333 153 locations), whereas Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) estimated highest rate (ψ = 0.49) leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) detection probability (P = 0.55). independently assessed estimate positive predictor 11 species. Main conclusions Our results suggest consequences increasing patrolling standardized measure across diverse experience extensive poaching pressure.