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Assessing camera traps for surveying the European mink, Mustela lutreola (Linnaeus, 1761), distribution

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Abstract

This study assesses the suitability of camera trapping as a method for detecting the European mink and determining its distribution in a region located in southwestern Europe. Using this technique, 98 river stretches were surveyed, resulting in the detection of 11 species of carnivores. A high photographic rate was obtained for the European mink, and we were able to get a picture of its distribution area in the year 2000. No seasonal differences were found in the efficiency of the method used. Camera trapping is an effective technique that provides quick updates of the distribution of the European mink and may be used in programs monitoring this species.

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Fig. 1a–c
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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Iñaki Aizpuru and Iñigo Mendiola (Agriculture and Environment Department, Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa), Jaime Feliú (Agriculture and Fishing Department, Basque Government), and Luis Mariano González (Directorate-General for Nature Conservation, Spain) for their assistance in making this work possible. This study was funded by the Agriculture and Environment Department of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, the Agriculture and Fishing Department of the Basque Government, and the Directorate-General for Nature Conservation, Spain. The suggestions of one anonymous referee substantially improved the original manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sociedad de Ciencias Aranzadi, Carretera Donamaria, 15, 2º izq, 31740 , Santesteban, Navarra, Spain

    J. González-Esteban & I. Villate

  2. Mugertza Kalea, 3, 2º ezk, 20570 , Bergara, Gipuzkoa, Spain

    I. Irizar

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  1. J. González-Esteban
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  2. I. Villate
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  3. I. Irizar
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Correspondence to J. González-Esteban.

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González-Esteban, J., Villate, I. & Irizar, I. Assessing camera traps for surveying the European mink, Mustela lutreola (Linnaeus, 1761), distribution. Eur J Wildl Res 50, 33–36 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-003-0031-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-003-0031-y

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