Use of camera-trapping to estimate puma density and influencing factors in central Brazil

TY - JOUR

T1 - Use of camera-trapping to estimate puma density and influencing factors in central Brazil

AU - Negrões, Nuno

AU - Sarmento, Pedro

AU - Cruz, Joana

AU - Eira, Catarina

AU - Revilla, Eloy

AU - Fonseca, Carlos

AU - Sollmann, Rahel

AU - TǑRRES, NATÁLIA M

AU - Furtado, Mariana M

AU - Jácomo, Anah TA

AU - Silveira, Leandro

PY - 2010/8

Y1 - 2010/8

N2 - We used remotely triggered cameras to collect data on Puma (Puma concolor) abundance and occupancy in an area of tropical forest in Brazil where the species' status is poorly known. To evaluate factors influencing puma occupancy we used data from 5 sampling campaigns in 3 consecutive years (2005 to 2007) and 2 seasons (wet and dry), at a state park and a private forest reserve. We estimated puma numbers and density for the 2007 sampling data by developing a standardized individual identification method. We based individual identification on 1) time-stable parameters (SP; physical features that do not change over time), and 2) time-variable parameters (VP; marks that could change over time such as scars and botfly marks). Following individual identification we established a capturerecapture history and analyzed it using closed population capturemarkrecapture models. Puma capture probability was influenced by camera placement (roads vs. trails), sampling year, and prey richness. Puma occupancy was positively associated with species richness and there was a correlation between relative puma and jaguar (Panthera onca) abundance. Identifications enabled us to generate 8 VP histories for each photographed flank, corresponding to 8 individuals. We estimated the sampled population at 9 pumas (SE 1.03, 95 CI 810 individuals) translating to a density of 3.40 pumas/100 km2. Information collected using camera-traps can effectively be used to assess puma population size in tropical forests. As habitat progressively disappears and South American felines become more vulnerable, our results support the critical importance of private forest reserves for conservation.

AB - We used remotely triggered cameras to collect data on Puma (Puma concolor) abundance and occupancy in an area of tropical forest in Brazil where the species' status is poorly known. To evaluate factors influencing puma occupancy we used data from 5 sampling campaigns in 3 consecutive years (2005 to 2007) and 2 seasons (wet and dry), at a state park and a private forest reserve. We estimated puma numbers and density for the 2007 sampling data by developing a standardized individual identification method. We based individual identification on 1) time-stable parameters (SP; physical features that do not change over time), and 2) time-variable parameters (VP; marks that could change over time such as scars and botfly marks). Following individual identification we established a capturerecapture history and analyzed it using closed population capturemarkrecapture models. Puma capture probability was influenced by camera placement (roads vs. trails), sampling year, and prey richness. Puma occupancy was positively associated with species richness and there was a correlation between relative puma and jaguar (Panthera onca) abundance. Identifications enabled us to generate 8 VP histories for each photographed flank, corresponding to 8 individuals. We estimated the sampled population at 9 pumas (SE 1.03, 95 CI 810 individuals) translating to a density of 3.40 pumas/100 km2. Information collected using camera-traps can effectively be used to assess puma population size in tropical forests. As habitat progressively disappears and South American felines become more vulnerable, our results support the critical importance of private forest reserves for conservation.

KW - Amazon Basin

KW - camera-trapping

KW - CAPTURE software

KW - density estimation

KW - individual identification

KW - private reserve

KW - Puma concolor

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=77955073587&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.2193/2009-256

DO - 10.2193/2009-256

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:77955073587

SN - 0022-541X

VL - 74

SP - 1195

EP - 1203

JO - Journal of Wildlife Management

JF - Journal of Wildlife Management

IS - 6

ER -