scholarly journals Does researcher activity affect Dromiciops gliroides capture rates? A test in two contrasting forest habitats

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela A. Salazar ◽  
Francisco E. Fontúrbel
Keyword(s):  
Daily Basis ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Native Habitat ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Live Trap ◽  
Sampling Effectiveness ◽  
Forest Habitats ◽  
Capture Rates ◽  
Photographic Records

AbstractAiming to understand the low D. gliroides capture rates at the Valdivian Coastal Reserve, we disposed camera-traps at two contrasting forest habitats: a native forest habitat and a transformed habitat composed by a Eucalyptus globulus plantation with native understory vegetation. Camera-trap survey was conducted before and during live-trap operation. We found a large number of photographic records at the pre-bait period (41 photos at the native habitat and 22 at the transformed habitat). Then, when we conducted the live-trapping survey, photographic records decrease to 7 at the native habitat and 5 at the transformed habitat. Compared to similar locations in southern Chile, our study site shows low sampling effectiveness and capture success values, which could be explained by the disturbance generated by the researcher by checking the trap grid in a daily basis in a remote place where human presence is sporadic.

Cougar and jaguar habitat use and activity patterns in central Mexico

2009 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Octavio Monroy-Vilchis ◽  
Vicente Urios ◽  
Martha Zarco-González ◽  
Clarita Rodríguez-Soto
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Positive Response ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Activity Period ◽  
Oak Forest ◽  
Central Mexico ◽  
Steep Slopes ◽  
Forest Habitats

AbstractIn this study the habitat use and activity patterns of the two of the largest cats of the Americas in central Mexico were studied. Three ways to detect felid presence were employed from August 2002 to May 2006: interviews, signs, and camera-traps. 478 records were obtained, from which 441 were from cougar and 37 from jaguar. These records included positive response in 118 of 140 interviews and 236 records of signs (mainly tracks and scats), and 124 photographs. Both felids preferred pine-oak forest habitats, with altitudes higher than 1800 m, distances between 3509 and 4377 m from roads, between 2329 and 4650 m from settlements, and distances to very steep slopes between 1048 and 2059 m, for jaguar, and for cougar lower than 1047 m. Jaguar activity was recorded mainly during nighttimes, between 0:00 and 6:00, whereas cougar was active between 4:00 and 6:00 and between 18:00 and 22:00 hours, avoiding the jaguar's principal activity period.

scholarly journals A New and Simple Method to Capture Small Arboreal Mammals: The Suspended Pitfall

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Helder José ◽  
Iasmin Macedo ◽  
Mateus Cruz Loss
Keyword(s):  
The Other ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Live Trap ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Cacao Plantation ◽  
Didelphis Aurita ◽  
Tree Branch ◽  
Doce River

The suspended pitfall demonstrates a new and simple mechanism to capture small arboreal and scansorial mammals. It is an arboreal version of the pitfalls traditionally used to capture terrestrial amphibians and reptiles. Buckets with bait inside are raised by a rope until they reach a tree branch at the desired height. Tests were performed in the Atlantic Forest at three different sites at the mouth of Doce River in Linhares, southeastern Brazil. In one of them suspended pitfalls were set up in the understory of a shaded cacao plantation (cabruca agroforest) in the branches of cacao trees between 2 and 3 m in height, and in the other they were placed in a native forest between 5 to 15 m in height. At the third site, suspended pitfalls were tested together with the other live traps used hitherto in the understory of other cabruca agroforest. The marsupials Didelphis aurita, Caluromys philander, Marmosa (Micoureus) paraguayana, Gracilinanus microtarsus, Marmosa murina and the rodent Rhipidomys mastacalis were captured by suspended pitfall. This live trap was capable of catching all sizes of small arboreal mammals, including juvenile individuals. This method proved to be functional for the capture of some small arboreal mammals and may be a complementary alternative for sampling in high forest strata.

Comparison of Bird Counts From Pine Forest and Indigenous Vegetation.

1977 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 281 ◽  
Author(s):  
PV Driscoll
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Radiata ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Bird Communities ◽  
Pine Forest ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Number Of Species ◽  
Eucalyptus Forest ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Forest Habitats

Bird counts were taken in Feb., March and July 1975 in 4 native habitats, ranging from wet sclerophyll Eucalyptus forest to mallee (E. stricta)-heath on the Boyd Plateau, and two Pinus radiata habitats (20 yr and 40 yr) in the Jenolan State Forest, New South Wales, Australia. In each season the number of birds and the number of species was highest in the native forest habitats, lower in the pine habitats and least in the mallee-heath. The composition of native forest, pine forest, and mallee-heath bird communities shows considerable differences.

Live-capture of feral cats using tracking dogs and darting, with comparisons to leg-hold trapping

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugh W. McGregor ◽  
Jordan O. Hampton ◽  
Danielle Lisle ◽  
Sarah Legge
Keyword(s):  
Success Rate ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Setup Costs ◽  
Capture Success ◽  
Physical Injuries ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Capture Method ◽  
Capture Rates

Context Predation by feral cats is a key threatening process to many species of native Australian wildlife. Unfortunately, cats are difficult to capture using standard trapping techniques, limiting the potential to conduct research on their ecology and impacts. Aims We present an alternative capture method: remote chemical immobilisation after tracking with trained dogs. We also compare capture rates to a concurrent soft-jaw leg-hold trapping program. Methods We used dogs to capture cats detected by spotlighting at night, and also recaptured cats fitted with telemetry collars during the day. Cats were either bailed on the ground or treed and then hand-netted, or chemically immobilised using darts shot from a CO2-powered dart rifle, loaded with tiletamine–zolazepam at ~6 mg kg–1. Factors affecting the success rate of capturing cats using dogs were assessed. Efficiency in terms of cats captured per person-hours of fieldwork were compared using trained dogs versus leg-hold trapping. Key results We attempted 160 cat captures using the tracking dogs with 114 of those being successful. There were no mortalities or debilitating physical injuries associated with chemical immobilisation; however, sedated cats had prolonged recoveries (>4 h). Capture success with the tracking dogs increased as the dogs gained experience. Capture success rates per person-hour of fieldwork were four times greater using spotlighting with tracking dogs than using leg-hold traps. The success rate of recaptures using dogs was 97%. Conclusions The use of trained tracking dogs proved an effective method for capturing feral cats. The method had a much higher success rate than live-trapping with leg-hold traps, took less effort (in terms of person-hours) and caused less physical injuries than did leg-hold traps. However, substantial setup costs and time are required, which are discussed. Implications Using these methods could improve efficiency and outcomes when catching feral cats, and enable more data per individual cat to be collected than otherwise.

scholarly journals Annual and spatial variation in composition and activity of terrestrial mammals on two replicate plots in lowland forest of eastern Ecuador

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4241 ◽  
Author(s):  
John G. Blake ◽  
Bette A. Loiselle
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Lowland Forest ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Camera Location ◽  
Lowland Forests ◽  
A Site ◽  
Capture Rates

Terrestrial mammals are important components of lowland forests in Amazonia (as seed dispersal agents, herbivores, predators) but there are relatively few detailed studies from areas that have not been affected by human activities (e.g., hunting, logging). Yet, such information is needed to evaluate effects of humans elsewhere. We used camera traps to sample medium to large-sized terrestrial mammals at a site in lowland forests of eastern Ecuador, one of the most biologically rich areas in the world. We deployed cameras on two study plots in terra firme forest at Tiputini Biodiversity Station. Sixteen cameras were arranged 200 m apart in a 4 × 4 grid on each plot. Cameras were operated for  60 days in January–March, 2014–2017, for a total of 3,707 and 3,482 trap-days on the two plots (Harpia, Puma). A total of 28 species were recorded; 26 on Harpia and 25 on Puma. Number of species recorded each year was slightly greater on Harpia whereas overall capture rates (images/100 trap-days) were higher on Puma. Although most species were recorded on each plot, differences in capture rates meant that yearly samples on a given plot were more similar to each other than to samples on the other plot. Images of most species showed a clumped distribution pattern on each plot; Panthera onca was the only species that did not show a clumped distribution on either plot. Images at a given camera location showed no evidence of autocorrelation with numbers of images at nearby camera locations, suggesting that species were responding to small-scale differences in habitat conditions. A redundancy analysis showed that environmental features within 50 or 100 m of camera locations (e.g., elevation, variation in elevation, slope, distance to streams) accounted for significant amounts of variation in distribution patterns of species. Composition and relative importance based on capture rates were very similar to results from cameras located along trails at the same site; similarities decreased at increasing spatial scales based on comparisons with results from other sites in Ecuador and Peru.

Harpy Eagle Harpia harpyja nest activity patterns: Potential ecotourism and conservation opportunities in the Amazon Forest

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
EVERTON B. P. MIRANDA ◽  
CAIO F. KENUP ◽  
CHARLES A. MUNN ◽  
NIKI HUIZINGA ◽  
NICKOLAS LORMAND ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wildlife Conservation ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Amazon Forest ◽  
Apex Predators ◽  
Nest Activity ◽  
Harpia Harpyja ◽  
Potential Tool

Summary Tourism can be a powerful tool for wildlife conservation if well controlled and responsibly managed. Apex predators constitute particularly attractive subjects for tourism, but simultaneously they may generate conflict with local communities. Harpy Eagles Harpia harpyja are the largest eagle species and are highly sought-after by ecotourists. The last stronghold of the Harpy Eagle is the Amazon Forest, which is being deforested for cattle ranching. We tested methods for developing Harpy Eagle ecotourism as a potential tool to harmonize these issues. Using camera traps, we collected data on timing of Harpy Eagle visits to their nests, as well as on probabilities of viewing an eagle. Harpy Eagles can only be seen predictably during the first 12 of the 30–36 month nest cycle. In nests with nestlings (up to 5–7 months), adults are visible on a daily basis, and this period lasts 16.6% of the nesting cycle, demanding a minimum of 13, 17, and 26 nests to have at least one nest with a nestling on 90%, 95% and 99% of the days. After this 5–7 month window, we found that two and 4.16 days spent at nests afforded high probabilities of sighting a fledgling or adult eagle, respectively. Harpy Eagles were mainly active at the beginning and the end of the day. Activity core lasted 6.5 decimal hours for adults, peaking at 10h00, and 7.45 decimal hours for fledged eagles, peaking at 15h00. Our results demonstrate that Harpy Eagles fit several criteria for a viable wildlife attraction: predictable in activity and location, viewable, and diurnal, even though at the same time they are considered a rarity. In a broader perspective, Harpy Eagle tourism shows every indication of being a significant tool for more robust rainforest conservation.

Bait preference for remote camera trap studies of the endangered northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus)

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Austin ◽  
Katherine Tuft ◽  
Daniel Ramp ◽  
Teigan Cremona ◽  
Jonathan K. Webb
Keyword(s):  
Peanut Butter ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Population Estimates ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Cane Toad ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Remote Camera ◽  
Reliable Methods ◽  
Better Than

Estimating population size is crucial for managing populations of threatened species. In the Top End of northern Australia, populations of northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus), already affected by livestock grazing, inappropriate burning regimes and predation, have collapsed following the spread of the toxic cane toad (Rhinella marina). Cane toads are currently invading the Kimberley, where they pose a threat to quoll populations. To manage these populations, we need reliable methods for detecting and estimating quoll abundance. We deployed camera traps with lures containing tuna, peanut butter or no bait and found that baited cameras performed better than the unbaited control. Cameras with a tuna lure detected more individuals than cameras baited with peanut butter or no bait. Cameras with a tuna lure yielded more photographs per quoll than those baited with peanut butter or no bait. We identified individual quolls from unique spot patterns and found multiple photographs improved the accuracy of identification. We also found that population estimates for the sample area derived from camera trapping were consistent with those from live trapping using mark–recapture techniques.

Camera traps are an effective method for identifying individuals and determining the sex of spotted-tailed quolls (Dasyurus maculatus gracilis)

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 349
Author(s):  
Jesse Rowland ◽  
Conrad J. Hoskin ◽  
Scott Burnett
Keyword(s):  
Additional Data ◽  
Ventral Surface ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
The Other ◽  
Individual Identification ◽  
Spot Pattern ◽  
Multiple Images ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Bait Station ◽  
Mesh Bag

We compared two bait station techniques for determining the sex and identifying individual spotted-tailed quolls (Dasyurus maculatus gracilis) using images taken by camera traps. One method used bait in a plastic mesh bag and the other was a new method using a raised bait canister to entice the quolls to stand on their hind legs and present their ventral surface to the camera. Individuals were identified from multiple images of their unique spot pattern, and sex was determined from ventral images. The bait bag method was better for detecting quolls and both methods performed similarly in allowing observers to identify individuals from images. However, the bait canister method was superior for determining sex of individuals. Using this new bait canister method, individual identification was possible in 202 out of 206 detection events and the sex of 81% (47 of 58) of identified individuals was confidently assigned from multiple detections. This bait station design can therefore provide additional data on individual quolls and reduces the need for more invasive live-trapping techniques. This methodology could be adapted for other mammals in Australia and worldwide.

scholarly journals Recovery of Potentially Pathogenic Phytophthora and Pythium Spp. From Native Vegetation in Australia

1973 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 575 ◽  
Author(s):  
BH Pratt ◽  
WA Heather
Keyword(s):  
Plant Root ◽  
Native Vegetation ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Phytophthora Spp ◽  
Forest Habitats

Soil and plant root samples from a variety of native forest habitats throughout Australia were examined for potentially pathogenic Pythium and Phytophthora spp. by lupin baiting.

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