Improving estimation of puma (Puma concolor) population density: clustered camera-trapping, telemetry data, and generalized spatial mark-resight models.

ABSTRACT: Obtaining reliable population density estimates for pumas (Puma concolor) and other cryptic, wide-ranging large carnivores is challenging. Recent advancements in spatially explicit capture-recapture models have facilitated development of novel survey approaches, such as clustered sampling designs, which can provide reliable density estimation for expansive areas with reduced effort. We applied clustered sampling to camera-traps to detect marked (collared) and unmarked pumas, and used generalized spatial mark-resight (SMR) models to estimate puma population density across 15,314 km² in the southwestern USA. Generalized SMR models outperformed conventional SMR models. Integrating telemetry data from collars on marked pumas with detection data from camera-traps substantially improv

SUBMITTER: Murphy SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6418282 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature