Use of scented hair snares to detect ocelots

Weaver, John L.; Wood, P. J.; Paetkau, David; Laack, Linda L.

doi:10.2193/0091-7648(2005)33[1384:uoshst]2.0.co;2

Cited by 41 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…A more structured format for scat collection, such as repetitive transects distributed over several months, would allow for insight into marking behavior and territoriality and even provide a framework for density estimation (Gese 2001). Scent pads to collect hair samples from cheek rubbing (Weaver et al 2005) could also be used to create a more rigorous sampling design. In addition to the advantage of reliable identification not subject to observer bias, genetic data can provide valuable and unique information about genetic relationships (including source of dispersers) that is not obtainable with the other methods.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing Estimators of Snow Leopard Abundance

McCarthy

Fuller

Ma³

et al. 2008

J Wildl Manag

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The secretive nature of snow leopards (Uncia uncia) makes them difficult to monitor, yet conservation efforts require accurate and precise methods to estimate abundance. We assessed accuracy of Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) sign surveys by comparing them with 4 methods for estimating snow leopard abundance: predator:prey biomass ratios, capture‐recapture density estimation, photo‐capture rate, and individual identification through genetic analysis. We recorded snow leopard sign during standardized surveys in the SaryChat Zapovednik, the Jangart hunting reserve, and the Tomur Strictly Protected Area, in the Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan and China. During June‐December 2005, adjusted sign averaged 46.3 (SaryChat), 94.6 (Jangart), and 150.8 (Tomur) occurrences/km. We used counts of ibex (Capra ibex) and argali (Ovis ammon) to estimate available prey biomass and subsequent potential snow leopard densities of 8.7 (SaryChat), 1.0 (Jangart), and 1.1 (Tomur) snow leopards/100 km2. Photo capture‐recapture density estimates were 0.15 (n = 1 identified individual/1 photo), 0.87 (n = 4/13), and 0.74 (n = 5/6) individuals/100 km2 in SaryChat, Jangart, and Tomur, respectively. Photo‐capture rates (photos/100 trap‐nights) were 0.09 (SaryChat), 0.93 (Jangart), and 2.37 (Tomur). Genetic analysis of snow leopard fecal samples provided minimum population sizes of 3 (SaryChat), 5 (Jangart), and 9 (Tomur) snow leopards. These results suggest SLIMS sign surveys may be affected by observer bias and environmental variance. However, when such bias and variation are accounted for, sign surveys indicate relative abundances similar to photo rates and genetic individual identification results. Density or abundance estimates based on capture‐recapture or ungulate biomass did not agree with other indices of abundance. Confidence in estimated densities, or even detection of significant changes in abundance of snow leopard, will require more effort and better documentation.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing Estimators of Snow Leopard Abundance

McCarthy

Fuller

Ma³

et al. 2008

J Wildl Manag

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“…Scat samples identified as a jaguar, a puma, an ocelot or an oncilla were subsequently genotyped to distinguish individuals. We used 12 dinucleotide microsatellite loci that were originally developed for domestic cats (Menotti- Raymond & O'Brien 1995;Menotti-Raymond et al 1999) and have successfully been used to screen blood, tissue, hair and scat samples from each of the target species (Carmichael et al 2000;Ernest et al 2000;Eizirik et al 2001, Weaver et al 2005Grisolia et al 2007;Miotto et al 2007;Eizirik 2008;Janečka et al 2008). An annealing temperature of 53°C was used with all reactions.…”

Section: Genetic Analysesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using detection dogs and genetic analyses of scat to expand knowledge and assist felid conservation in Misiones, Argentina

DeMatteo

Rinas²,

Argüelles

et al. 2014

Integrative Zoology

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Many carnivores require large ranges to meet their ecological and energetic needs; however, anthropogenic changes threaten species and their habitats. Camera traps have been used to effectively collect data on carnivores in a variety of habitat types; however, a single survey effort is typically limited to species that have similar body size, habitat use and movement patterns, and individual identification of animals is not always possible. We evaluated whether scat detection dogs could effectively survey for 4 wide-ranging felids that vary in these characteristics: jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor), ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and oncillas (Leopardus tigrinus). From June to October 2009 and May to August 2011, a detection dog-handler team detected 588 scats, from which 176 unique genotypes were detected. We assigned sex to 84.7% of the genotyped scats and identified 55 individuals multiple times. The effectiveness of these noninvasive techniques (detection dogs and genetic analyses of scat) not only opens the door for additional studies in areas that were previously difficult or impossible with standard survey techniques, but also provides conservationists with a set of tools that overcome some of the limitations associated with the use of camera traps alone.

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“…Noninvasive survey methods enable researchers to study such animals across large areas. Remote cameras and various hair snare devices, for example, can be used to confirm a species (or, in some cases, an individual) at a given site (McDaniel et al 2000, Moruzzi et al 2002, Heilbrun et al 2003, Wasser et al 2004, Weaver et al 2005, Zielinski et al 2006). More recently, detection dogs have been used to locate fecal (scat) samples from freeranging carnivores, thus confirming species' presence and also providing the opportunity to collect fecal DNA and hormone information for other analyses (Smith et al 2001(Smith et al , 2003Wasser et al 2004;Long et al 2007).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparing Scat Detection Dogs, Cameras, and Hair Snares for Surveying Carnivores

et al. 2007

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Carnivores typically require large areas of habitat, exist at low natural densities, and exhibit elusive behavior—characteristics that render them difficult to study. Noninvasive survey methods increasingly provide means to collect extensive data on carnivore occupancy, distribution, and abundance. During the summers of 2003‐2004, we compared the abilities of scat detection dogs, remote cameras, and hair snares to detect black bears (Ursus americanus), fishers (Martes pennanti), and bobcats (Lynx rufus) at 168 sites throughout Vermont. All 3 methods detected black bears; neither fishers nor bobcats were detected by hair snares. Scat detection dogs yielded the highest raw detection rate and probability of detection (given presence) for each of the target species, as well as the greatest number of unique detections (i.e., occasions when only one method detected the target species). We estimated that the mean probability of detecting the target species during a single visit to a site with a detection dog was 0.87 for black bears, 0.84 for fishers, and 0.27 for bobcats. Although the cost of surveying with detection dogs was higher than that of remote cameras or hair snares, the efficiency of this method rendered it the most cost‐effective survey method.

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Use of scented hair snares to detect ocelots

Cited by 41 publications

References 20 publications

Assessing Estimators of Snow Leopard Abundance

Assessing Estimators of Snow Leopard Abundance

Using detection dogs and genetic analyses of scat to expand knowledge and assist felid conservation in Misiones, Argentina

Comparing Scat Detection Dogs, Cameras, and Hair Snares for Surveying Carnivores

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