scholarly journals Bringing clarity to the clouded leopard Neofelis diardi: first density estimates from Sumatra

Oryx ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 536-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahel Sollmann ◽  
Matthew Linkie ◽  
Iding A. Haidir ◽  
David W. Macdonald
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Forest Loss ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Clouded Leopard ◽  
Data Limitations ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Study Sites

AbstractWe use data from camera-trap surveys for tigers Panthera tigris in combination with spatial capture–recapture models to provide the first density estimates for the Sunda clouded leopard Neofelis diardi on Sumatra. Surveys took place during 2004–2007 in the Kerinci landscape. Densities were 0.385–1.278 per 100 km2. We found no statistically significant differences in density among four study sites or between primary and mixed forest. Because the data sets are too small to account for differences in detection parameters between sexes, density is probably underestimated. Estimates are comparable to previous estimates of 1–2 per 100 km2 from the lowlands of central Sabah, on Borneo. Data limitations suggest that camera-trap surveys for Sunda clouded leopards require traps spaced more closely, to increase the chance of recaptures at different traps. Nevertheless, these first density estimates for clouded leopards on Sumatra provide a benchmark for measuring future conservation impact on an island that is undergoing rapid forest loss.

scholarly journals Density trends of wild felids in northern Laos

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akchousanh Rasphone ◽  
Jan F. Kamler ◽  
Mathias Tobler ◽  
David W. Macdonald
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Community Outreach ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Mesopredator Release ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Clouded Leopard ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Leopard Cat ◽  
Prionailurus Bengalensis

AbstractDetermining the density trends of a guild of species can help illuminate their interactions, and the impacts that humans might have on them. We estimated the density trends from 2013 to 2017 of the clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa, leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis and marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata in Nam Et—Phou Louey National Park (NEPL), Laos, using camera trap data and spatial capture-recapture models. Mean (± SD) density estimates (individuals/100 km2) for all years were 1.77 ± 0.30 for clouded leopard, 1.50 ± 0.30 for leopard cat, and 3.80 ± 0.70 for marbled cat. There was a declining trend in density across the study years for all three species, with a ≥ 90% probability of decline for clouded leopard and leopard cat and an 83% probability of decline for marbled cat. There was no evidence that mesopredator release occurred as a result of tiger (Panthera tigris) and leopard (P. pardus) extirpations. We believe that snaring, the factor that led to the extirpation of tiger and leopard in NEPL, is now contributing to the decline of smaller felids, to an extent that over-rides any potential effects of mesopredator release on their densities and interactions. We recommend that the NEPL managers implement a more systematic and intensified snare removal program, in concert with extensive community outreach and engagement of local people to prevent the setting of snares. These actions might be the only hope for saving the remaining members of the felid community in NEPL.

scholarly journals Density of the Vulnerable Sunda clouded leopard Neofelis diardi in two commercial forest reserves in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Oryx ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 423-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Wilting ◽  
Azlan Mohamed ◽  
Laurentius N. Ambu ◽  
Peter Lagan ◽  
Sam Mannan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Separate Species ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Clouded Leopard ◽  
Forest Reserves ◽  
Protected Forests ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Commercial Forest ◽  
Malaysian Borneo

AbstractRecently the Sunda clouded leopard Neofelis diardi was recognized as a separate species distinct from the clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa of mainland Asia. Both species are categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Little is known about the newly identified species and, in particular, information from forests outside protected areas is scarce. Here we present one of the first density estimates calculated with spatial capture–recapture models using camera-trap data. In two commercial forest reserves in Sabah (both certified for their sustainable management practices) the density of the Sunda clouded leopard was estimated to be c. 1 per 100 km2 (0.84±SE 0.42 and 1.04±SE 0.58). The presence of the Sunda clouded leopard in such forests is encouraging for its conservation but additional studies from other areas, including protected forests, are needed to compare and evaluate these densities.

scholarly journals Counting Sunda clouded leopards with confidence: incorporating individual heterogeneity in density estimates

Oryx ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azlan Mohamed ◽  
Rahel Sollmann ◽  
Seth Timothy Wong ◽  
Jürgen Niedballa ◽  
Jesse F. Abrams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Null Model ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Camera Trapping ◽  
Individual Heterogeneity ◽  
Sampling Effort ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Clouded Leopard ◽  
Forest Reserves

AbstractEven with intensive sampling effort, data often remain sparse when estimating population density of elusive species such as the Sunda clouded leopard Neofelis diardi. An inadequate number of recaptures can make it difficult to account for heterogeneity in detection parameters. We used data from large-scale camera-trapping surveys in three forest reserves in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, to (1) examine whether a high-density camera-trap network increases the number of recaptures for females, which tend to be more difficult to detect, thus improving the accuracy of density estimates; (2) compare density estimates from models incorporating individual heterogeneity in detection parameters with estimates from the null model to evaluate its potential bias; and (3) investigate how the size of the camera-trap grid affects density and movement estimates. We found that individual heterogeneity could not be incorporated in the single-site data analysis and only conservative null model estimates could be generated. However, aggregating data across study sites enabled us to account for individual heterogeneity and we estimated densities of 1.27–2.82 individuals/100 km2, 2–3 times higher than estimates from null models. In light of these findings, it is possible that earlier studies underestimated population density. Similar densities found in well-managed forest and recently selectively logged forest suggest that Sunda clouded leopards are relatively resilient to forest disturbances. Our analysis also revealed that camera-trapping grids for Sunda clouded leopard density estimations should cover large areas (c. 250 km2), although smaller grids could be appropriate if density or detectability are higher.

scholarly journals A spatially explicit approach for estimating space use and density of common genets

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-33
Author(s):  
P. Sarmento ◽  
◽  
J. Cruz ◽  
C. Eira ◽  
C. Fonseca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Model ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Grid Size ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Spatially Explicit ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Closed Population ◽  
Abundance Estimates ◽  
Capture Recapture

Many species that occur at low densities are not accurately estimated using capture–recapture methods as such techniques assume that populations are well–defined in space. To solve this bias, spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) models have recently been developed. These models incorporate movement and can identify areas where it is more likely for individuals to concentrate their activity. In this study, we used data from camera–trap surveys of common genets (Genetta genetta) in Serra da Malcata (Portugal), designed to compare abundance estimates produced by SECR models with traditional closed–capture models. Using the SECR models, we observed spatial heterogeneity in genet distribution and density estimates were approximately two times lower than those obtained from the closed population models. The non–spatial model estimates were constrained to sampling grid size and likely underestimated movements, thereby overestimating density. Future research should consider the incorporation of cost–weighed models that can include explicit hypothesis on how environmental variables influence the distance metric.

scholarly journals Assessing the conservation status of the tiger Panthera tigris at priority sites in Peninsular Malaysia

Oryx ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 454-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antony J. Lynam ◽  
Ruth Laidlaw ◽  
Wan Shaharuddin Wan Noordin ◽  
Sivananthan Elagupillay ◽  
Elizabeth L. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Large Mammals ◽  
Population Status ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Forested Landscapes ◽  
Human Conflict ◽  
Tiger Population

AbstractWildlife managers require status and distribution information for informed decisions. Recognizing the tiger's globally threatened status and potential as an umbrella species for protection of forested landscapes, camera trap surveys for tigers and other large mammals have been conducted since 1997 in Peninsular Malaysia with the aim of assessing the population status of tigers in the Peninsula. Results from surveys at nine sites between December 1997 and December 1999 are reported here. Tigers were confirmed from six sites in the Main Range and Greater Taman Negara landscape, with multiple locations inside putative priority tiger areas. Although the data were collected 8 years ago, they are supplemented with more recent information, including tiger-human conflict investigations during 2000–2005 that indicate tiger persistence at these sites. Tiger density estimates were 0.51–1.95 tigers per 100 km2. With results from other surveys, this suggests a national population of up to several hundred tigers. A thorough survey, with sufficient resources, should be carried out in the future to derive a more reliable tiger population estimate for Malaysia. Key threats are habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting of prey, commercial trade in tiger parts, and harassment and displacement. Recommendations for the recovery of tigers in Peninsular Malaysia are provided.

scholarly journals Population density estimates and conservation concern for clouded leopards Neofelis nebulosa, marbled cats Pardofelis marmorata and tigers Panthera tigris in Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Sagaing, Myanmar

Oryx ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 654-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hla Naing ◽  
Joanna Ross ◽  
Dawn Burnham ◽  
Saw Htun ◽  
David W. Macdonald
Keyword(s):  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Wildlife Sanctuary ◽  
Land Bridge ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Northern Forest ◽  
Himalayan Foothills ◽  
Neofelis Nebulosa ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Prionailurus Bengalensis ◽  
Conservation Concern

AbstractThe clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa is a potent ambassador species for conservation, occurring from the Himalayan foothills eastwards to Indochina, between which Myanmar is a biogeographical land bridge. In Myanmar's Northern Forest Complex, the species co-occurs with the tiger Panthera tigris, leopard Panthera pardus, marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata, golden cat Catopuma temminckii and leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis. We deployed cameras within the Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary over 2 consecutive years. In 2014–2015 we deployed 82 camera stations around the Nam Pa Gon stream (Catchment 1) for 7,365 trap days. In 2015–2016 we deployed 80 camera stations around the Nam E Zu stream (Catchment 2) for 7,192 trap days. In Catchment 1 we identified five tigers from 26 detections, five clouded leopards from 41 detections (68 photographs) and 11 marbled cats from 13 detections. Using Bayesian-based spatial capture–recapture we estimated the densities of tigers and clouded leopards to be 0.81 ± SD 0.40 and 0.60 ± SD 0.24 individuals per 100 km2, respectively. In Catchment 2 we identified two tigers from three detections, nine clouded leopards from 55 detections and 12 marbled cats from 37 detections. Densities of clouded leopards and marbled cats were 3.05 ± SD 1.03 and 8.80 ± SD 2.06 individuals per 100 km2, respectively. These differences suggest that human activities, in particular gold mining, are affecting felid populations, and these are a paramount concern in Htamanthi. We demonstrate the importance of Htamanthi within the Northern Forest Complex and highlight the Yawbawmee corridor as a candidate for protection.

scholarly journals Sunda clouded leopard Neofelis diardi densities and human activities in the humid evergreen rainforests of Sumatra

Oryx ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Iding Haidir ◽  
David W. Macdonald ◽  
Matthew Linkie
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Planning ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Spatially Explicit ◽  
Clouded Leopard ◽  
Wild Felids ◽  
The Status ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Capture Recapture

Abstract Most species of wild felids are threatened, but for many little is known about their status in the wild. For the cryptic and elusive Vulnerable Sunda clouded leopard Neofelis diardi, key metrics such as abundance and occupancy have been challenging to obtain. We conducted an intensive survey for this species on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. We deployed camera traps across four study areas that varied in elevation and threats, for a total of 28,404 trap nights, resulting in 114 independent clouded leopard photographs, in which we identified 18 individuals. Using a Bayesian spatially explicit capture–recapture analysis, we estimated clouded leopard density to be 0.8–2.4 individuals/100 km2. The highest predicted occurrence of people was at lower altitudes and closer to the forest edge, where we categorized more than two-thirds of people recorded by camera traps as bird poachers, 12.5% each as ungulate/tiger poachers and non-timber collectors, and < 2% as fishers. Our findings provide important insights into the status of this little known species in Sumatra. We recommend that the large volume of camera-trap data from other Sumatran landscapes be used for an island-wide assessment of the clouded leopard population, to provide up-to-date and reliable information for guiding future conservation planning.

scholarly journals Abundance and density estimates for common leopard Panthera pardus and clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa in Manas National Park, Assam, India

Oryx ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jimmy Borah ◽  
Tridip Sharma ◽  
Dhritiman Das ◽  
Nilmani Rabha ◽  
Niraj Kakati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Camera Trapping ◽  
Spatially Explicit ◽  
Panthera Pardus ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Clouded Leopard ◽  
Neofelis Nebulosa ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
The Common

AbstractEffective conservation of rare carnivores requires reliable estimates of population density for prioritizing investments and assessing the effectiveness of conservation interventions. We used camera traps and capture–recapture analysis to provide the first reliable abundance and density estimates for the common leopard Panthera pardus and clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa in Manas National Park, India. In 57 days of camera trapping, with a total of 4,275 camera-trap days, we photo-captured 27 individually identified common leopards (11 males, 13 females and three unidentified), and 16 clouded leopards (four males, five females and seven unidentified). The abundance estimates using the Mh jackknife and Pledger model Mh were 47.0 and 35.6, respectively, for the common leopard, and 21.0 and 25.0, respectively, for the clouded leopard. Density estimates using maximum likelihood spatially-explicit capture–recapture were 3.4 ± SE 0.82 and 4.73 ± SE 1.43 per 100 km2 for the common and clouded leopards, respectively. Spatially-explicit capture–recapture provided more realistic density estimates compared with those obtained from conventional methods. Our data indicates that camera trapping using a capture–recapture framework is an effective tool for assessing population sizes of cryptic and elusive carnivores such as the common and clouded leopards. The study has established a baseline for the long-term monitoring programme for large carnivores in Manas National Park.

Spatially explicit capture–recapture analysis of bobcat (Lynx rufus) density: implications for mesocarnivore monitoring

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel H. Thornton ◽  
Charles E. Pekins
Keyword(s):  
Density Estimation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Local Density ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Camera Trapping ◽  
Lynx Rufus ◽  
Spatially Explicit ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Study Sites

Context Accurate density estimation is crucial for conservation and management of elusive species. Camera-trapping may provide an efficient method for density estimation, particularly when analysed with recently developed spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) models. Although camera-traps are employed extensively to estimate large carnivore density, their use for smaller carnivores has been limited. Moreover, while camera-trapping studies are typically conducted at local scales, the utility of analysing larger-scale patterns by combining multiple camera studies remains poorly known. Aims The goal of the present study was to develop a better understanding of the utility of SECR models and camera-trapping for the estimation of density of small carnivores at local and regional scales. Methods Based on data collected from camera-traps, we used SECR to examine density of bobcats (Lynx rufus) at four study sites in north-central Texas. We then combined our density estimates with previous estimates (from multiple methodologies) across the bobcat’s geographic range, and used linear regression to examine drivers of range-wide density patterns. Key results Bobcat densities averaged 13.2 per 100 km2 across all four study sites, and were lowest at the site in the most heavily modified landscape. Bobcat capture probability was positively related to forest cover around camera-trap sites. At the range-wide scale, 53% of the variation in density was explained by just two factors: temperature and longitude. Conclusions Our results demonstrate the utility of camera-traps, combined with SECR, to generate precise density estimates for mesocarnivores, and reveal the negative effects of landscape disturbance on bobcat populations. The associations revealed in our range-wide analysis, despite variability in techniques used to estimate density, demonstrate how a combination of multiple density estimates for a species can be used for large-scale inference. However, improvement in our understanding of biogeographic density patterns for mesocarnivores could be obtained from a greater number of camera-based density estimates across the range of a species, combined with meta-analytic techniques. Implications Camera-trapping and SECR should be more widely applied to generate local density estimates for many small and medium-sized carnivores, where at least a portion of the individuals are identifiable. If such estimates are more widely obtained, meta-analytic techniques could be used to test biogeographic predictions or for large-scale monitoring efforts.

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