Abstract
Eurasian lynx are individually identifiable by their unique coat markings, making them ideal candidates for capture–recapture (CMR) surveys. We evaluated the use of digital photography to estimate Eurasian lynx population abundance and density within the Bavarian Forest National Park. From November 2008 to January 2009 we placed 24 camera trap sites, each with two cameras facing each other on well–used walking tracks). The units were placed based on a systematic grid of 2.7 km. We captured five independent and three juvenile lynx and calculated abundance estimates using Program Mark. We also compared density estimates based on the MMDM method (Mean Maximum Distance Moved) from telemetry data (½MMDMGPS) and from camera trapping data (½MMDMCAM). We estimated that in an effectively sampled area of 664 km2 the Eurasian lynx density was 0.9 individuals/100 km2 with ½MMDMCAM. The Eurasian lynx density calculated with ½MMDMGPS was 0.4 individuals/100 km2 in an effectively sampled area of 1,381 km2. Our results suggest that long–term photographic CMR sampling on a large scale may be a useful tool to monitor population trends of Eurasian lynx in accordance with the Fauna–Flora–Habitat Directive of the European Union.
Highlights
How can we count a cryptic camouflaged species, with home range sizes up to 700 km2, in a low range mountain area? The Eurasian lynx is a secretive and elusive species that is difficult to monitor, but to implement management plans, wildlife managers need to know the size of wildlife populations
To date, monitoring of Eurasian lynx in Germany has been limited to chance observations and occasional telemetry studies, but these methods are unsuitable to obtain accurate abundance and density estimates
Two cameras were stolen but they were immediately replaced during the camera trapping session
Summary
How can we count a cryptic camouflaged species, with home range sizes up to 700 km, in a low range mountain area? The Eurasian lynx is a secretive and elusive species that is difficult to monitor, but to implement management plans, wildlife managers need to know the size of wildlife populations. To date, monitoring of Eurasian lynx in Germany has been limited to chance observations and occasional telemetry studies, but these methods are unsuitable to obtain accurate abundance and density estimates. The use of camera traps has been implemented to estimate abundances of individually recognisable species such as felids. The challenge of camera trap monitoring is to maximize the number of target species captures by assuring that every individual has the chance to be detected. This means that every potential home range should include camera trapping sites. For species like the Eurasian lynx, which presumably occur in low densities, site selection is critical to obtain a sufficient number of pictures. In addition to a suitable site it is crucial to find a reliable camera trap that can deliver high quality pictures that will allow individual recognition
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