A ghost in the mist: extension of the known range of Colombian Weasel, Neogale felipei (Izor & de la Torre, 1978) (Carnivora, Mustelidae), in the Cordillera Occidental

Abstract

The Colombian weasel, Neogale felipei (Izor & de la Torre, 1978), is one of the most enigmatic and threatened carnivores in South America, with only six confirmed records in the Andes of Ecuador and Colombia. During a long-term trail camera survey conducted at Mesenia-Paramillo Natural Reserve, we recorded the northernmost occurrence of the species, which extends its distribution by approximately 120 km to the north from the nearest previously known locality in Colombia. We also provide some comments on its natural history.

Non‐invasive methods for monitoring weasels: emerging technologies and priorities for future research

“…1), although several studies targeted multiple species simultaneously. There were very few (n < 3) studies on Asian weasel species Mustela altaica, Mustela itatsi and Mustela strigidorsa, and no studies on weasel species endemic to Africa or South America (although see Cepeda-Duque et al 2023, published after our literature search). Most studies used methods to estimate species presence or to assess distribution (45%), followed by estimating relative abundance (44%), and species occupancy and/or detection probability (11%).…”

“…Other studies adopted similar camera trap designs, such as foldable plastic boxes for weasels and stoats at high altitudes in Spain (Fig. 5; Salvador et al 2022) and metal boxes for long-tailed weasel and Colombian weasel Neogale felipei in Colombia (Cepeda-Duque et al 2023). Another boxed camera trap, developed to monitor small mammals under snow (Soininen et al 2015), has shown success in detecting Mustela nivalis nivalis and Mustela erminea in arctic systems (Kleiven et al 2023).…”

“…Differences among species and individuals in their tendency to enter enclosed systems needs to be tested. Simultaneous deployment of enclosed and unenclosed camera traps in proximity enables comparison of their detection probabilities (Croose et al 2022, Cepeda-Duque et al 2023. Finally, there is a need to train a machine learning algorithm to automate labour-intensive identification of species from images similar to that which exists for unenclosed camera trap photos (Böhner et al 2023).…”

“…Second, baited camera traps (and to a lesser extent detection dogs or molecular approaches) used to gather information on spatial distribution and factors influencing occupancy of weasels within those focal areas (e.g. Ghose et al 2018, Cepeda-Duque et al 2023. Third, where weasels are known to be resident, researchers use enclosed camera trap setups (Mostela and/or AHDriFT systems) to gain insights into weasel behaviour and factors influencing their relative activity or abundance.…”