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Factors conditioning the camera-trapping efficiency for the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

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Abstract

Camera trapping is the most used method for surveying medium-sized carnivores in Spain. The main target for these surveys has been the Iberian lynx, the most endangered cat in the world. The Iberian lynx conservation program has received the largest EU LIFE projects grant. So, efficiency is a key goal for managing this grant. During 2003 and 2007, we have applied these funds to the survey of the Iberian lynx in Eastern Sierra Morena (Spain). Using two different techniques, we have studied both to see which is the most efficient. The survey developed in active latrines resulted more efficient than that of scent stations and live prey camera trapping throughout the years, although there has been a variation between years. Otherwise, the live prey method has been the one providing the greatest speed and number of pictures per entrance. We suggest that camera-trapping surveys can be improved in terms of efficiency for a wide range of species, or at least for the Iberian lynx. To improve the results, cameras might be placed in relation to breeding territories. With this determinant, camera-trapping surveys would be shorter than 120 days. Finally, we suggest how those surveys for medium carnivores should be designed.

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Acknowledgments

The present study has been carried out in the framework of the LIFE-Nature projects 02/NAT/E/8609 and 06/NAT/E/000209. We also extend our gratitude to the Spanish Ministry of the Environment for providing funds to the Fundación CBD-Habitat. We wish to thank the owners of the private estates for their cooperation, past and present, in the preservation of the Iberian lynx. Also, we express our gratitude to Samuel Pla, Francisco Sánchez, Manuel Mata, and Francisco Leiva for their help with the hard work and their advice during the project as well as to the rest of the CBD-Habitat team for their varied contributions. Thanks to María del Mar Celada for her help with the translation. Alfonso San Miguel and María Martínez-Jaúregui helped with the data management and earlier discussion. Thanks to the personnel working in the lynx reproduction in captivity plan for providing urine. Thanks to the Consejería de Medio Ambiente and EGMASA teams of the Junta de Andalucía with whom the project was developed. We are also thankful for the continuous support of the Fundació Territori i Paisatge of the Obra Social de Caixa Catalunya. Comments from Luis Mariano González and two anonymous referees seriously improved the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tragsega, Área de Vida Silvestre, C/ Julián Camarillo 6ª, 28037, Madrid, Spain

    Francisco Guil, Sandra Agudín, Nuria El-Khadir, Juan Figueredo, Gregorio Gonzalez, Jaime Muñoz-Igualada, Javier Oria & Fernando Silvestre

  2. Fundación CBD-Habitat, C/ Nieremberg nº8, 28002, Madrid, Spain

    Francisco Guil & Paloma Garzon

  3. Servicio de Especies Amenazadas, Dirección General de Medio Natural y Política Forestal, Ministerio de Medio Ambiente, y Medio Rural y Marino, C/ Ríos Rosas 24, 28010, Madrid, Spain

    Francisco G. Domínguez & Paloma Garzon

  4. E.T.S. Ingenieros de Montes, Ciudad Universitaria s/n 28040, Madrid, Spain

    Mariana Fernandez-Olalla

Authors
  1. Francisco Guil
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  2. Sandra Agudín
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  3. Nuria El-Khadir
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  4. Mariana Fernandez-Olalla
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  5. Juan Figueredo
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  6. Francisco G. Domínguez
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  7. Paloma Garzon
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  8. Gregorio Gonzalez
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  9. Jaime Muñoz-Igualada
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  10. Javier Oria
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  11. Fernando Silvestre
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Francisco Guil.

Additional information

Communicated by H. Kierdorf

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Guil, F., Agudín, S., El-Khadir, N. et al. Factors conditioning the camera-trapping efficiency for the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). Eur J Wildl Res 56, 633–640 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-009-0353-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-009-0353-5

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