Development of a non-invasive method for species and sex identification of rare forest carnivores using footprint identification technology

Tucker, Jody M.; King, Caleb; Lekivetz, Ryan; Murdoch, Remi; Jewell, Zoe C.; Alibhai, Sky K.

doi:10.1016/j.ecoinf.2023.102431

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 39 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…In a search for innovative ways to augment our data collection, we encountered the Footprint Identification Technique (FIT): a robust, cost-effective, and non-invasive tool developed by WildTrack (www.wildtrack.org) for using tracking to monitor endangered species (Jewell, 2013;Jewell et al, 2016). To date, FIT has been applied to discriminate age, sex and individuals across a range of species in both captive and wild contexts, including white and black rhino (Diceros bicornis), lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), amur tigers (Panthera tigris), and pumas (Puma concolor) (Jewell et al, 2001;Alibhai et al, 2008;Law et al, 2013;Gu et al, 2014;Jewell et al, 2016;Law et al, 2018;Li et al, 2018;Moreira et al, 2018;Jewell et al, 2020;Kistner et al, 2022;Alibhai et al, 2023;Tucker et al, 2024).…”

Section: Case Study 1: Individual Identification Via Footprintsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The crossroads of tradition and modern technology: integrative approaches to studying carnivores in low density ecosystems

Finerty,

Borrego,

Alibhai

et al. 2024

Front. Conserv. Sci.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The study of large carnivores in semi-arid ecosystems presents inherent challenges due to their low densities, extensive home ranges, and elusive nature. We explore the potential for the synthesis of traditional knowledge (i.e. art of tracking) and modern technology to address challenges in conservation and wildlife research in these challenging environments. Our research focuses on the African lion (Panthera leo) in the Central Kalahari region of Botswana as a model system to demonstrate the potential of this integrative approach. Combining GPS tracking and traditional San trackers’ expertise, we present two case studies: (1) the individual identification of lions via a combination of tracking and footprint analysis and (2) the monitoring of territorial behavior through a combination of GPS technology (i.e. GPS collars and handheld GPS devices) and non-invasive tracking. These approaches enhance our understanding of carnivore ecology as well as support conservation efforts by offering a non-invasive, cost-effective, and highly accurate means of monitoring populations. Our findings underscore the value of merging traditional tracking skills with contemporary analytical and technological developments to offer new insights into the ecology of carnivores in challenging environments. This approach not only improves data collection accuracy and efficiency but also fosters a deeper understanding of wildlife, ensuring the conservation and sustainable management of these species. Our work advocates for the inclusion of indigenous knowledge in conservation science, highlighting its relevance and applicability across various disciplines, thereby broadening the methodologies used to study wildlife, monitor populations, and inform conservation strategies.

show abstract