engleski

Estimating the population size of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Croatia using camera-trapping and spatial capture-recapture modelling

In 2017, the LIFE Lynx project (LIFE16 NAT/SI/000634) started a reinforcement process in order to save the Dinaric population of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) from extinction. The monitoring of the population demography and dynamics became critical to assess the success of the translocations of lynx which started in 2019. Camera traps proved to be an efficient way to detect the presence of rare and elusive species, such as the lynx. The data collected can be analyzed by spatial capture-recapture (SCR) modelling, an advanced method compared to the traditional non-spatial capture-recapture. This study provides the estimates of the lynx density and abundance in Croatia through the analysis of camera trapping data collected from August 2019 to April 2020 by SCR modelling. The results showed to be in the lower range of the density estimates from other studies on lynx populations in Europe. Though, several factors limit this comparison, including the sampling design and the integration of covariates in modelling. A discussion about the precision of the estimates and potential sources of bias is also provided.

abundance, density, oSCR, covariates, capture probability, marking sites, home- range size

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