Using spatial mark-recapture for conservation monitoring of grizzly bear populations in Alberta.

ABSTRACT: One of the challenges in conservation is determining patterns and responses in population density and distribution as it relates to habitat and changes in anthropogenic activities. We applied spatially explicit capture recapture (SECR) methods, combined with density surface modelling from five grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) management areas (BMAs) in Alberta, Canada, to assess SECR methods and to explore factors influencing bear distribution. Here we used models of grizzly bear habitat and mortality risk to test local density associations using density surface modelling. Results demonstrated BMA-specific factors influenced density, as well as the effects of habitat and topography on detections and movements of bears. Estimates from SECR were similar to those from closed population models and

SUBMITTER: Boulanger J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5980105 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature