Most Random-Encounter-Model Density Estimates in Camera-Based Predator-Prey Studies Are Unreliable.

ABSTRACT: Identifying population-level relationships between predators and their prey is often predicated on having reliable population estimates. Camera-trapping is effective for surveying terrestrial wildlife, but many species lack individually unique natural markings that are required for most abundance and density estimation methods. Analytical approaches have been developed for producing population estimates from camera-trap surveys of unmarked wildlife; however, most unmarked approaches have strict assumptions that can be cryptically violated by survey design characteristics, practitioner choice of input values, or species behavior and ecology. Using multi-year datasets from populations of an unmarked predator and its co-occurring unmarked prey, we evaluated the consequences of violating two r

SUBMITTER: Murphy SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11639839 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature