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Nocturnal line transect sampling of wild boar (Sus scrofa) in a Mediterranean forest: long-term comparison with capture–mark–resight population estimates

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Abstract

Although accurate estimates of wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations are crucial for any effective resource management or pest control programme, this species is well-known to be difficult to monitor. We conducted a 10-year study in a fenced Mediterranean forest (Rome, Italy) to evaluate nocturnal line transect sampling performances. We focused on its accuracy in monitoring changes in density, which was independently estimated by capture–mark–resight (CMR) performed on counts at feeding sites. We carried out night surveys in the autumn of 2001–2010, using portable infrared cameras to detect animals. We sampled on foot to cover the whole study area and the different habitat types evenly. However, to ensure safe working conditions during night and to limit disturbance, we placed transects along paths and forest roads. Therefore, we investigated the potential impact of our convenience sampling on the detection process, using radiolocations of wild boars to assess their distribution with respect to selected transects. We found that our survey design should not have biased our estimates and that densities and coefficients of variations from line transect sampling were consistent with CMR results. Although labour-intensive, we believe that our approach can improve wild boar monitoring effectively, even in concealing habitats, providing decision makers with accurate estimates (and quantified confidence limits) which can help to develop the most appropriate management programme. Moreover, the current low price of new-generation infrared cameras can also increase strongly the cost-effectiveness of this method.

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Acknowledgements

This ongoing study was made possible thanks to the support of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Forest, Segretariato Generale della Presidenza della Repubblica and the dedicated efforts of the Preserve personnel. All animal handling was performed according to Italian Law with the assistance of a veterinary staff led by Vittorio Guberti. The authors are very grateful to D. Borchers, D.R. Diefenbach and two anonymous reviewers for their useful comments on an early draft of this manuscript. Special thanks go to students and volunteers who helped capturing boars and to Elisabeth Klerks who checked the English.

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  1. ISPRA Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Via Ca’ Fornacetta 9, 40064, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy

    Barbara Franzetti, Francesca Ronchi, Francesca Marini, Marianne Scacco, Roberta Calmanti, Alessandro Calabrese, Aragno Paola, Montanaro Paolo & Stefano Focardi

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  1. Barbara Franzetti
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  2. Francesca Ronchi
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  3. Francesca Marini
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  8. Montanaro Paolo
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  9. Stefano Focardi
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Correspondence to Barbara Franzetti.

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Communicated by C. Gortázar

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Franzetti, B., Ronchi, F., Marini, F. et al. Nocturnal line transect sampling of wild boar (Sus scrofa) in a Mediterranean forest: long-term comparison with capture–mark–resight population estimates. Eur J Wildl Res 58, 385–402 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-011-0587-x

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