Empirical comparisons of abundance estimators for two sympatric carnivores using noninvasive genetic sampling

Lonsinger, Robert C.; Lukacs, Paul M.; Gese, Eric M.; Waits, Lisette P.

doi:10.2981/wlb.00534

Cited by 4 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 43 publications

(116 reference statements)

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Section: Noninvasive Genetic Samplingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Individual identification of scats with nuclear DNA microsatellite loci has allowed for estimates of kit fox abundance and density (Wilbert et al 2015;Sacks and Milburn 2018;Lonsinger et al 2019). When analyzed in a robust design (i.e., multiseason) framework, NGS-based capture-recapture may provide estimates of apparent survival and recruitment, as well as information on immigration and emigration (Lonsinger et al 2019). Understanding patterns of DNA degradation and rates of sample accumulation can be used to optimize NGS, as was done in western Utah, reducing costs for single-or multispecies monitoring (Lonsinger et al 2015a).…”

Section: Noninvasive Genetic Samplingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, listing decisions under the federal ESA (and inversely, delisting criteria) are informed by estimates of abundance or density. Consequently, if abundance was identified as the key parameter of interest, only NGS has been effective at estimating abundance of kit foxes (Lonsinger et al 2018b;Lonsinger et al 2019). Alternatively, home range estimates from telemetered kit foxes may be extrapolated to provide density estimates and serve as a proxy for abundance (Arjo et al 2007).…”

Section: Monitoring Trade-offs Monitoring Strategies and Parameters Of Interestmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Pilot studies can provide data necessary to evaluate the reliability of parameter estimates under competing monitoring methods or sampling designs. For example, Lonsinger et al (2019) used data collected on kit foxes in western Utah to evaluate NGS-based abundance estimation under competing sampling designs (i.e., singleoccasion sampling and multioccasion sampling) and analytical approaches (i.e., capture with replacement, nonspatial robust design, and multisession spatial capture-recapture). Single-occasion methods for estimating abundance from NGS may be appealing to managers because they have reduced effort and costs relative to more traditional capture-recapture methods requiring multiple ''capture'' events.…”

Section: Reliability Of Parameter Estimatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Indeed, these approaches have been used to estimate abundance of kit foxes in Oregon (Sacks and Milburn 2018) and California (Wilbert et al 2015). Lonsinger et al (2019) found that efforts to reduce costs through singleoccasion sampling resulted in estimates that were biased low with artificially high precision, indicating this approach may not be appropriate for low-density carnivores such as kit foxes. Noninvasive genetic sampling-based estimates of abundance from multioccasion sampling achieved a coefficient of variation of ,10% with four to five sampling occasions, but this level of effort was still insufficient to detect seasonal reproductive pulses (Lonsinger et al 2018b(Lonsinger et al , 2019.…”

Section: Reliability Of Parameter Estimatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Conservation of Kit Foxes in the Great Basin Desert: Review and Recommendations

Lonsinger

Kluever

Hall

et al. 2020

Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management

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The kit fox Vulpes macrotis is a species of concern to land managers in the Great Basin Desert of North America. Once common, kit foxes have declined from historical levels. Research on kit foxes in western Utah has spanned nearly 70 y and has potential to inform management and conservation within the Central Basin and Range Ecoregion of the Great Basin Desert. We conducted a systematic literature review on the northern kit fox subspecies V. m. nevadensis. We focused on studies conducted in the Central Basin and Range Ecoregion, which represents the majority of the Great Basin Desert, and provided a comprehensive summary of their ecology and demographics for resource managers. To guide future monitoring, we also reviewed techniques used for kit fox monitoring and research, and evaluated the strengths, limitations, and advances of these techniques. We identified four key factors that deserve consideration when selecting monitoring techniques for kit foxes: estimable parameters, reliability, cost, and rate of data return. Finally, we identify four primary management recommendations. We recommend that managers (1) expand kit fox monitoring and population assessments more broadly across the Great Basin Desert. To ensure future monitoring meets the needs of resource managers, we recommend (2) the application of a structured decision-making process to identify key parameters and approaches. To better understand the factors limiting kit fox populations we recommend (3) population viability and parameter sensitivity analyses to identify drivers of population change. Finally, based on evidence that genetic diversity of kit fox populations has been maintained by undescribed patterns of gene flow, we recommend (4) a broad-scale assessment of population connectivity to identify corridors supporting metapopulation dynamics. These recommendations will facilitate proactive conservation of kit foxes and management practices to reduce future population declines.

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Section: Noninvasive Genetic Samplingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Noninvasive Genetic Samplingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Monitoring Trade-offs Monitoring Strategies and Parameters Of Interestmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Reliability Of Parameter Estimatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Reliability Of Parameter Estimatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Conservation of Kit Foxes in the Great Basin Desert: Review and Recommendations

Lonsinger

Kluever

Hall

et al. 2020

Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management

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Density estimation for an island population of raccoon dogs in Japan using fecal DNA

Kubo,

Tsukada,

Minami

et al. 2023

Wildlife Biology

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Estimation of the population size is essential for understanding population dynamics. Estimating animal density using multiple methods and/or multiple attempts is required for accurate estimations. Raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides is native to East Asia, including Japan, and has become an invasive species in Europe. Information on raccoon dog density in their native range is important to understand their invasion; however, relatively few studies have been conducted on raccoon dog density in their native range. In this study, we extracted DNA from fecal samples of raccoon dogs inhabiting a small island in Japan and conducted density estimation over two periods using DNA capture‐recapture methods: CAPWIRE and SECR. We also investigated sex ratio using genetic sex identification. Density estimates using SECR were approximately threefold different between the two study periods: 17.2 individuals per km2 in 2018 and 49.0 individuals per km2 in 2020. In contrast, estimates using CAPWIRE were relatively stable: 21.7 individuals per km2 in 2018 and 24.3 individuals per km2 in 2020. A drastic increase or decrease is not expected during the study period, and thus, density estimates using CAPWIRE are more reasonable than those using SECR. The small number of samples per individual might result in low accuracy of density estimates by SECR. The density estimated by CAPWIRE was similar to that in the main island in Japan and higher than that in Europe. Feeding competition with other omnivorous carnivores and/or predation risk by wolves might maintain the low density in Europe. The sex ratio of raccoon dogs was 1:1, which was similar to the values in invasive raccoon dogs and other canids. Further genetic census, including sex identification in various landscapes in their native and invasive range, will enable us to understand not only the ecology of raccoon dogs but also their adaptations to their invading areas.

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Evaluating unmarked abundance estimators using remote cameras and aerial surveys

Leo

2022

Wildlife Society Bulletin

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Reliable population abundance estimates are invaluable to wildlife management programs. Mark-recapture techniques are regarded as the gold standard for estimating abundance but can be financially or logistically prohibitive. Recent developments in remote camera analytical approaches have provided alternative methods to estimate unmarked populations efficiently but have undergone limited field testing. In September and October 2020, I assessed 2 camera methods that use the same set of time-lapse photographs; a space to event (STE) model and instantaneous sampling (IS), applied to a case study of feral sheep (Ovis aries) at the US Army's Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA) on Hawai`i Island. Results of the camera methods were compared to an abundance estimate calculated from an aerial distance sampling survey completed concurrently with camera sampling. A comparison of confidence intervals indicated no statistical difference between estimates, but the relative imprecision of IS suggested the STE model to be a more reliable estimator. The cost of camera sampling was approximately 3 times that of the aerial survey, but camera sampling became more economical if the area was resurveyed 3 or more times. My study showed the STE model to be a cost effective, practical abundance estimator of feral sheep when compared to well-established aerial distance sampling techniques, and therefore should offer considerable potential for the conservation and management of other easily identifiable species.

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Empirical comparisons of abundance estimators for two sympatric carnivores using noninvasive genetic sampling

Cited by 4 publications

References 43 publications

Conservation of Kit Foxes in the Great Basin Desert: Review and Recommendations

Conservation of Kit Foxes in the Great Basin Desert: Review and Recommendations

Density estimation for an island population of raccoon dogs in Japan using fecal DNA

Evaluating unmarked abundance estimators using remote cameras and aerial surveys

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