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The use of camera trapping for estimating Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) home ranges

Abstract:

The use of non-invasive long-term monitoring data to estimate home ranges of the critically endangered Iberian lynx has been evaluated. This programme began in 2002 and consisting of both annual latrine and camera-trap surveys, with the aims of detecting and individually identifying the maximum number of individuals and delineating female home range boundaries. Radio-tracking data were used to evaluate the accuracy of home range estimates constructed with camera-trapping data. There was little overlap of camera-trapping home ranges (7. 0% ± 1. 47), which suggests the existence of real territories consistent with the land tenure system expected for the species. Camera trapping home range estimates were half the size of radio-tracking data (54. 1% ± 6. 0 of overlapping). When comparing core areas, only the radio-tracking data did not yield improved results (36. 7 ± 5. 4 of overlapping). Estimation of territories, which escaped detection each year, ranged from 0. 0% to 5. 7%. The results produced by camera-trapping data in this non-intrusive monitoring programme could be considered precise, and are therefore well suited to provide the knowledge required for appropriate conservation of this endangered species. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.