Evaluation of scent-station surveys to monitor the distribution of three European carnivore species (Martes foina, Meles meles, Vulpes vulpes) in a fragmented landscape

摘要: Scent-stations are frequently used in North and South America to monitor carnivore populations, their efficacy has been widely tested on various species. On the other hand, scent-stations have rarely European species never tested. Therefore, an acritical use Eurasiatic may lead biased results, but also a neglection of this technique limit methodological improvements. We evaluated detection three eurasiatic species: badger (Meles meles), fox (Vulpes vulpes) beech marten (Martes foina) using data from patch-use survey conducted fragmented landscape Province Siena, central Italy. Scent-station was compared with distribution obtained utilisation different techniques (track camera trap surveys interviews local people) estimate proportion sites occupied inferred through application occupancy models. show how by scent-stations, largely underestimated, (this missed small fragments) while relatively unbiased. conclude that should follow pilot study cost/benefits be carefully considered.