Density Estimation in a Wolverine Population using Spatial Capture-Recapture Models

By J. Andrew Royle, Audrey J. Magoun, Beth Gardner, P. Valkenburg, Richard E. Lowell. 2011

96 citations recorded by the source corpus.

ABSTRACT Classical closed-population capture—recapture models do not accommodate the spatial information inherent in encounter history data obtained from camera-trapping studies. As a result, individual heterogeneity in encounter probability is induced, and it is not possible to estimate density objectively because trap arrays do not have a well-defined sample area. We applied newly-developed, capture—recapture models that accommodate the spatial attribute inherent in capture—recapture data to a population of wolverines (Gulo gulo) in Southeast Alaska in 2008. We used camera-trapping data collected from 37 cameras in a 2,140-km2 area of forested and open habitats largely enclosed by ocean and glacial icefields. We detected 21 unique individuals 115 times. Wolverines exhibited a strong positive trap response, with an increased tendency to revisit previously visited traps. Under the trap-response model, we estimated wolverine density at 9.7 individuals/1,000 km2 (95% Bayesian CI: 5.9–15.0). Our model provides a formal statistical framework for estimating density from wolverine camera-trapping studies that accounts for a behavioral response due to baited traps. Further, our model-based estimator does not have strict requirements about the spatial configuration of traps or length of trapping sessions, providing considerable operational flexibility in the development of field studies.

Subfields: Ecological Modeling, Ecology

View Paper: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/3933b1aec55f721408f030222b2831e37f256021

How researchers see this paper

The researchers whose trusted networks rank it highest, strongest advocate first. Every researcher gets a different order.

In Ecological Modeling

1. N. Yoccoz
2. R. Ims
3. Mevin B. Hooten
4. T. Hefley
5. T. O'Brien
6. M. Kinnaird

In Ecology

1. J. Mattisson
2. Audrey J. Magoun
3. R. Inman
4. S. Hamel
5. J. Persson
6. N. Yoccoz
7. R. Ims
8. A. Mysterud

Citations in the corpus

• The wolverine's niche: linking reproductive chronology, caching, competition, and climate (2012, methodology): “We also used personal knowledge related to the timing of reproductive events obtained during wolverine field studies that we conducted (Inman et al. 2012; Magoun 1985; Mattisson 2011; Persson 2003; Persson et al. 2006; Royle et al. 2011).”
• Towards good practice guidance in using camera‐traps in ecology: influence of sampling design on validity of ecological inferences (2013, background): “…studies usually use movement- instead of time-triggered cameras (e.g. Bowkett, Rovero &Marshall 2007; De Bondi et al. 2010; Linkie & Ridout 2011; Royle et al. 2011), it is important to note that movementtriggered cameras recorded overall a lower number of daily presences than time-triggered…”