IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Edwards, S.; Cooper, S.; Uiseb, K.; Hayward, M.; Wachter, B.; Melzheimer, J. | |
| Making the most of by-catch data: Assessing the feasibility of utilising non-target camera trap data for occupancy modelling of a large felid | |
| 2018 African Journal of Ecology (56): 885-894 | |
Camera traps are an increasingly used tool in ecology, having the ability to capture large numbers of photographic records in short survey periods. For many surveys, the number of non-target records outweighs those of focal species, making them a potentially rich and often under-utilised data source. Occupancy analysis of non-target data represents a potential way to optimise survey output, whilst increasing "return on investment." This study assessed the feasibility of using non-target data from a Hartmann's mountain zebra _Equus zebra hartmannae _survey in Gondwana Canyon Park, southern Namibia, for occupancy analysis on leopard _Panthera pardus_. Using a survey design with 15 camera traps at water sources, 26 leopard events were detected over 72 days. Model fit was adequate and produced a model-averaged occupancy of 0.64 (_SE _0.36) and a detection probability of 0.24 (_SE _0.07). Whilst there was a lack of precision in the final occupancy estimate, the study provided valuable pilot data for future surveys. The results highlight the ability of camera traps to obtain information-rich datasets, which, when properly archived, can be used for providing information on a number of ecological topics, ranging far beyond that which the traps were originally deployed for. |
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