Testing the precision and sensitivity of density estimates obtained with a camera-trap method revealed limitations and opportunities.

ABSTRACT: The use of camera traps in ecology helps affordably address questions about the distribution and density of cryptic and mobile species. The random encounter model (REM) is a camera-trap method that has been developed to estimate population densities using unmarked individuals. However, few studies have evaluated its reliability in the field, especially considering that this method relies on parameters obtained from collared animals (i.e., average speed, in km/h), which can be difficult to acquire at low cost and effort. Our objectives were to (1) assess the reliability of this camera-trap method and (2) evaluate the influence of parameters coming from different populations on density estimates. We estimated a reference density of black bears (Ursus americanus) in Forillon Nat

SUBMITTER: Pettigrew P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8216954 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature