Insights into surveying pangolins using ground and arboreal camera traps
Author:
Moore Jennifer F.1ORCID, Estela Neus2, Toupou Koighae2, Koivogui Seny2, Camara Abass2, Diawara Michel S.2, Shirley Matthew H.34
Affiliation:
1. Moore Ecological Analysis and Management, LLC , St. Petersburg , FL 33702 , USA 2. Fauna & Flora, Seredou , N’Zérékoré Region , Prefecture of Macenta , Guinea 3. Global Forensics and Justice Center , Florida International University , North Miami , FL , USA 4. IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group, C/O Zoological Society of London , London , UK
Abstract
Abstract
Arboreal camera traps are becoming more commonly used for monitoring wildlife. Pangolins (Order: Pholidota) are a threatened group of mammals that are challenging to monitor across their range. In this study, we assessed the use of arboreal and ground camera traps for monitoring the three pangolin species native to West Africa in the Ziama Man and Biosphere Reserve, Guinea. We fit occupancy models to our data to examine the effect of factors related to camera height and tree height on detection probability. In addition, we evaluated the utility of deploying multiple cameras within the same tree. Our study showed that arboreal camera traps can successfully detect both arboreal pangolin species, with the highest detection in mid-canopy for white-bellied pangolin and mid-to high-canopy for black-bellied pangolins. In addition, our results suggest at least 4–6 cameras deployed on each tree to maximize the opportunity of detecting these species. We did not detect giant pangolins. Further studies are needed to continue improving detection of all three pangolins for monitoring and adaptive management of these heavily harvested and traded species.
Funder
People’s Poste Code Lottery
Publisher
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
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