Abstract
Analyses of life history and population dynamics are essential for effective population control of wild mammals. We developed a model for the simultaneous estimation of seasonal changes in three parameters—population density, habitat preference and trap catchability of target animals—based on camera-trapping data and harvest records. The random encounter and staying time model, with no need for individual recognition, is the core component of the model—by combining this model with the catch-effort model, we estimated density at broad spatial scales and catchability by traps. Here, the wild boar population in central Japan was evaluated as a target population. We found that the estimated population density increased after the birth period and then decreased until the next birth period, mainly due to harvesting. Habitat preference changed seasonally, but forests having abandoned fields nearby were generally preferred throughout the season. These patterns can be explained by patterns of food availability and resting or nesting sites. Catchability by traps also changed seasonally, with relatively high values in the winter, which probably reflected changes in the attractiveness of the trap bait due to activity changes in response to food scarcity. Based on these results, we proposed an effective trapping strategy for wild boars, and discussed the applicability of our model to more general conservation and management issues.
Highlights
Analyses of life history and population dynamics are essential for effective population control of wild mammals
We developed a model for the simultaneous estimation of seasonal changes in three parameters—population density, habitat preference and trap catchability of target animals— based on camera-trapping data and harvest records
We developed a model for the simultaneous estimation of seasonal changes in three parameters— population density, habitat preference and trap catchability of wild boars—by integrating the random encounter and staying time (REST) model and harvest records
Summary
Analyses of life history and population dynamics are essential for effective population control of wild mammals. We developed a model for the simultaneous estimation of seasonal changes in three parameters—population density, habitat preference and trap catchability of target animals— based on camera-trapping data and harvest records. The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a cryptic animal species [13,14], which has a broad geographical range with various types of land cover [15], including peri-urban areas [16] It causes crop damage [17,18,19] and spreads disease to livestock [20,21]. Estimating wild boar population sizes by direct observation is difficult due to the preference for dense understorey shrubs and nocturnal and cautious behaviours [24,25] Indirect indices, such as harvest records (shooting and trapping data) or pellet counts, have been used to estimate population density To establish efficient management strategies for wild boar populations, spatial and temporal patterns of population densities and trap catchability should be clarified at the landscape level
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