A spatially explicit approach for estimating space use and density of common genets

TY - JOUR

T1 - A spatially explicit approach for estimating space use and density of common genets

AU - Sarmento, Pedro

AU - Cruz, Joana

AU - Eira, Catarina

AU - Fonseca, Carlos

PY - 2014

Y1 - 2014

N2 - Many species that occur at low densities are not accurately estimated using capture-recapture methods as such techniques assume that populations are well-defined in space. To solve this bias, spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) models have recently been developed. These models incorporate movement and can identify areas where it is more likely for individuals to concentrate their activity. In this study, we used data from camera-trap surveys of common genets (Genetta genetta) in Serra da Malcata (Portugal), designed to compare abundance estimates produced by SECR models with traditional closed-capture models. Using the SECR models, we observed spatial heterogeneity in genet distribution and density estimates were approximately two times lower than those obtained from the closed population models. The non-spatial model estimates were constrained to sampling grid size and likely underestimated movements, thereby overestimating density. Future research should consider the incorporation of cost-weighed models that can include explicit hypothesis on how environmental variables influence the distance metric.

AB - Many species that occur at low densities are not accurately estimated using capture-recapture methods as such techniques assume that populations are well-defined in space. To solve this bias, spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) models have recently been developed. These models incorporate movement and can identify areas where it is more likely for individuals to concentrate their activity. In this study, we used data from camera-trap surveys of common genets (Genetta genetta) in Serra da Malcata (Portugal), designed to compare abundance estimates produced by SECR models with traditional closed-capture models. Using the SECR models, we observed spatial heterogeneity in genet distribution and density estimates were approximately two times lower than those obtained from the closed population models. The non-spatial model estimates were constrained to sampling grid size and likely underestimated movements, thereby overestimating density. Future research should consider the incorporation of cost-weighed models that can include explicit hypothesis on how environmental variables influence the distance metric.

KW - Camera-trapping

KW - Capture-recapture

KW - Genet

KW - Program MARK

KW - SECR package

KW - Spatial models

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84903997066&partnerID=8YFLogxK

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:84903997066

SN - 1578-665X

VL - 37

SP - 23

EP - 33

JO - Animal Biodiversity and Conservation

JF - Animal Biodiversity and Conservation

IS - 1

ER -