Pedro Sarmento

Evaluation of Camera Trapping for Estimating Red Fox Abundance

Abstract The nature reserve Serra da Malcata, Portugal, was recently considered a site for Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) reintroduction. Because of potential disease risk posed by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in the area, a reliable estimate of fox abundance was critical for a dependable reintroduction program. We adapted camera-trapping techniques for estimating red fox abundance in the reserve. From July 2005 to August 2007, we conducted 7 camera-trapping sessions, allowing for individual identification of foxes by physical characteristics. We estimated abundance using the heterogeneity (Mh) model of the software program CAPTURE. Estimated density ranged from 0.91 ± 0.12 foxes/km2 to 0.74 ± 0.02 foxes/km2. By estimating red fox density, it is possible to define the number of foxes that must be sampled to assess the presence of potential fox-transmitted diseases that may affect lynx reintroduction.

Modeling the occupancy of sympatric carnivorans in a Mediterranean ecosystem

Site occupancy provides a reasonable estimate of population status and trends, and it also provides an unbiased, cost-effective alternative method for large-scale, multispecies monitoring programs. In this study, we used camera-trapping data to determine carnivoran occupancy and associated environmental factors in Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve, Portugal. The study was intended as a precursor of further long-term multispecies monitoring programs. We estimated carnivoran species occupancy using a likelihood-based method, using the software PRESENCE. The major conclusions of the study were (1) fox occupancy tends to be independent of environmental factors; (2) stone marten occupancy is related with habitat variables, landscape structure, and preys; (3) common genet occupancy is related to broad leaf formations and preys; and (4) mongoose occupancy is higher in extensive areas of shrub habitats. Methodologically, we demonstrated the importance of modeling detection probabilities for species with low or variable detection rates. In the future, monitoring programs could benefit from incorporating estimates of detection probabilities into their design and analysis.

Spatial colonization by feral domestic cats Felis catus of former wildcat Felis silvestris silvestris home ranges

Presently, wildcatFelis silvestris silvestris Schreber, 1777 populations are fragmented and rapidly declining in most of Europe. Although habitat destruction possibly constitutes the most serious threat to wildcat survival, hybridisation with feral domestic cats is also a critical problem. However, the mechanisms that allow domestic cats to colonise former wild cat home ranges are yet unclear. The present paper describes the decrease of typical phenotypic wildcats and the increase of phenotypic domestic cats in a remote wild area of Portugal (Serra da Malcata). A field survey using box-traps and radio-tracking between 1998 and 2001 revealed that wildcats were widespread in the study area and no domestic cats were present. A second survey using camera traps between 2005 and 2007 revealed only one wildcat whereas four typical domestic phenotype individuals were photographed. The present study clearly emphasizes the need for urgent measures aimed at preserving wildcat populations. These measures should include a national census of the species and an extensive monitoring of genetic integrity of wildcat populations, followed by the elaboration of a wildcat conservation action plan.

How is the jaguar Panthera onca perceived by local communities along the Paraguai River in the Brazilian Pantanal

Rapid habitat conversion, hunting as a retaliatory response to livestock depredation and, potentially, lack of knowledge regarding the species’ ecological role are the main factors influencing conservation of the Near Threatened jaguar Panthera onca in the Pantanal wetland of Brazil. Investigation of peoples perceptions and attitudes towards a species is an important element of conservation initiatives but most information concerning human perceptions of jaguars in the Pantanal comes from conflict with ranchers, who typically perceive this species negatively as a result of economic losses. No information is available concerning perceptions of the jaguar by other inhabitants, particularly along riversides where the main activity is professional and recreational fishing. We used semi-structured questionnaires to interview 50 riverside inhabitants on how they perceive the jaguar and to investigate the influence of education and age on such perceptions compared to local people from rural properties in the Pantanal and other Brazilian biomes. ‘Dangerous’ was the predominant perception. We found that the negative perceptions of jaguars related to peoples safety and not to economic losses from livestock depredation. We highlight environmental education programmes, ecotourism and better strategies to reduce livestock losses as useful tools for minimizing the perception that jaguars are dangerous in all situations.

Change in demographic patterns of the Doñana Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus : management implications and conservation perspectives

Over the last 20 years surveys of the population of the Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus in Donana National Park and its surroundings in Spain have produced estimates of a total population of 50–60 in fragmented patches. The population was estimated to be 26 adults in 2002–2003. Use of camera trapping and other field methods during 2004–2008 allowed us to determine the abundance of the lynx and to estimate demographic statistics. Estimated annual abundance of adult and subadult lynxes averaged 38 individuals (range 35–43). Although the population exhibited a continuous distribution it was concentrated in three major areas, including Donana National Park, with an average area occupied of 620 km 2 . Our results suggest that the Donana Iberian lynx population now has a different structure from that in the 1990s and in particular a more continuous spatial distribution. These results indicate an improved, but not secure, scenario for the population. The continuous geographical distribution suggests the population is currently less vulnerable to extinction than 10 years ago. Conservation actions now need to focus outside Donana National Park on the reconversion of pine plantations into original Mediterranean scrubland habitat, and the continuity and intensification of ongoing restocking with rabbits in fenced areas.

Influence of exotic forest plantations on occupancy and co-occurrence patterns in a Mediterranean carnivore guild

The Mediterranean basin is a biodiversity hotspot which is being threatened by land abandonment and afforestation, most notably with eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) plantations. We assessed the impact of eucalyptus plantations on niche partitioning in a carnivore community consisting of red fox (Vulpes vulpes), badger (Meles meles), and stone marten (Martes foina). Based on data from camera trapping, we evaluated the influence of eucalyptus plantations on species occupancy and detection in single-species and co-occurrence models and on temporal activity. Eucalyptus cover negatively influenced detection probability across all species in both single and co-occurrence models. Stone marten detection decreased with the presence of the other carnivores but red fox detection increased in the presence of badgers. Eucalyptus plantations had a negative effect on occupancy of red foxes, which preferred open farmland and evergreen oak forest. Stone marten preferred large patches of oak forest, whereas badger occupancy was positively influenced by patch richness. Occupancy of any one species was not influenced by the presence of any other species. Despite having an effect on the detection and occupancy of all 3 carnivores, eucalyptus plantations had no effect on the interactions within this carnivore community. However, these results have to be interpreted with precaution since the probability of detection for badger and stone marten, in 2011, was below 0.15, making it difficult to make accurate assumptions. The results show the relatively greater importance of habitat preferences compared with interspecific relationships in determining distribution of these carnivores and highlight the importance of using models that can correct for differences in detectability for inferring interspecific competition, especially when species occur at low densities.

Exotic Fish in Exotic Plantations: A Multi-Scale Approach to Understand Amphibian Occurrence in the Mediterranean Region.

Globally, amphibian populations are threatened by a diverse range of factors including habitat destruction and alteration. Forestry practices have been linked with low diversity and abundance of amphibians. The effect of exotic Eucalyptus spp. plantations on amphibian communities has been studied in a number of biodiversity hotspots, but little is known of its impact in the Mediterranean region. Here, we identify the environmental factors influencing the presence of six species of amphibians (the Caudata Pleurodeles waltl, Salamandra salamandra, Lissotriton boscai, Triturus marmoratus and the anurans Pelobates cultripes and Hyla arborea/meridionalis) occupying 88 ponds. The study was conducted in a Mediterranean landscape dominated by eucalypt plantations alternated with traditional use (agricultural, montados and native forest) at three different scales: local (pond), intermediate (400 metres radius buffer) and broad (1000 metres radius buffer). Using the Akaike Information Criterion for small samples (AICc), we selected the top-ranked models for estimating the probability of occurrence of each species at each spatial scale separately and across all three spatial scales, using a combination of covariates from the different magnitudes. Models with a combination of covariates at the different spatial scales had a stronger support than those at individual scales. The presence of predatory fish in a pond had a strong effect on Caudata presence. Permanent ponds were selected by Hyla arborea/meridionalis over temporary ponds. Species occurrence was not increased by a higher density of streams, but the density of ponds impacted negatively on Lissotriton boscai. The proximity of ponds occupied by their conspecifics had a positive effect on the occurrence of Lissotriton boscai and Pleurodeles waltl. Eucalypt plantations had a negative effect on the occurrence of the newt Lissotriton boscai and anurans Hyla arborea/meridionalis, but had a positive effect on the presence of Salamandra salamandra, while no effect on any of the other species was detected. In conclusion, eucalypts had limited effects on the amphibian community at the intermediate and broad scales, but predatory fish had a major impact when considering all the scales combined. The over-riding importance of introduced fish as a negative impact suggests that forest managers should prevent new fish introductions and eradicate fish from already-occupied ponds whenever possible.

Schoolchildren's Knowledge and Perceptions of Jaguars, Pumas, and Smaller Cats Around a Mosaic of Protected Areas in the Western Brazilian Pantanal

Surveys to assess environmental knowledge are elementary tools to ensure successful environmental education. Felines are considered key components of the environment, acting as flagships for conservation. Nevertheless, they are threatened by loss of habitat, prey reductions, and poaching. In the mosaic of protected areas in the Brazilian Pantanal, where several environmental education activities are supported, felines are a conservation target priority. We present the results of surveys to investigate schoolchildrens knowledge and perceptions of felines. Our results show that larger species are better known than smaller ones, and that negative perceptions are a concern, demonstrating priorities for environmental education.

New Records of Giant Armadillo Priodontes maximus (Cingulata: Dasypodidae) at Serra do Amolar, Pantanal of Brazil

Abstract The giant armadillo is one of the least studied South American mammals. It is classified as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and subsistence hunting. This species has been recorded at several sites within the Pantanal biome of Brazil. We aimed to confirm the species presence in Serra do Amolar, in the western border of the Pantanal. Using camera traps and burrow censuses we confirmed its presence in an area with no previous information. Nevertheless, it is necessary to assess the population status and to gather more information about its ecology in order to contribute to its regional conservation.

Spatial organization and social relations in a reintroduced population of Endangered Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus

In 2015 10 Iberian lynxes Lynx pardinus were released in south-eastern Portugal, within the framework of a Spanish–Portuguese reintroduction project. We examined each individuals use of space and social interactions during the first year after their release. Lynxes were selected for reintroduction according to behavioural, genetic and health criteria and fitted with collars with VHF and global positioning systems. Both males and females went through an exploratory phase that lasted 65–105 days. The lynxes did not exhibit any movement directionality from the release site during the exploratory period. During August–December 2015 a stable nucleus comprising seven individuals (four males, three females) was established south-west of the release enclosure. Although the males had a slightly larger mean home range (11.18 ± SE 1.36 km 2 ) than females (9.87 ± SE 8.71 km 2 ), the difference was not significant. The knowledge obtained during the first year of the lynx reintroduction project in Portugal is critical to support the future of this reintroduction strategy. Our results suggest that once the soft release technique is no longer possible because of logistical constraints on the construction of more enclosures, new individuals should be released in unoccupied areas surrounded by occupied territories. This will promote strong social ties to the resident population and prevent lynx dispersal.