Estimating density of native carnivores in central Chile landscapes using a simulated movement model, cameratrapR: insights on their potential exotic prey dietary subsidy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Species-specific density is an essential parameter for evaluating population stability and ecosystem health. We estimate the population density of native carnivores, South American gray and culpeo foxes (Lycalopex spp.), guiña (Leopardus guigna) and Andes skunk (Conepatus chinga), in central Chile, inferring on the potential influence of the availability of introduced exotic prey on their population dynamics.

Methods

Monitoring with camera traps was conducted from March 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, across three distinct landscapes representative of the coastal mountain range of central Chile: Mediterranean coastal thorn forest, Mediterranean coastal sclerophyllous forest, and exotic monoculture tree plantations. We estimated density using an R

SUBMITTER: Ramirez-Alvarez D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12422279 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature