Efficient data collection for camera trap‐based density estimation: A preliminary assessment

Ternyik, Bálint; McKaughan, Jamie E.T.; Hill, Russell A.; Stephens, Philip A.

Abstract

Camera traps have great potential for generating wildlife insights by providing high resolution site‐specific data. Methods of data collection and analysis reliant on these tools for population density estimation can be relatively resource intensive, hindering their mainstream adoption. Here, we explore the potential of population density estimates derived from a distance sampling method based on optics theory, which greatly simplifies the process of setting up camera sites and analysing data. Specifically, we (1) tested the method on human subjects in an artificial environment, (2) compared it to another method relying on virtual grids on images using wild populations of black‐backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) and African civet (Civettictis civetta) in South Africa and (3) deployed it to estimate wild boar (Sus scrofa) population densities in Hungary. The initial human trials resulted in an estimate that was extremely close to true population density. When compared to the virtual grid method, results suggest that our distance sampling method can deliver accurate estimates with increased convenience and robustness against disruptions of the camera sites. The wild boar study resulted in a realistic density estimate, which can be used as a baseline when assessing future fluctuations in population density. As this new approach does not have special requirements for setting up camera sites, it is efficient and widely applicable across other density estimation methods requiring an estimate for effective detection distance. Additionally, the method can be applied in the retrospective analysis of existing datasets.

Citation

Ternyik, B., McKaughan, J. E., Hill, R. A., & Stephens, P. A. (2024). Efficient data collection for camera trap‐based density estimation: A preliminary assessment. Ecological Solutions and Evidence, 5(1), Article e12300. https://doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.12300

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 24, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jan 28, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024-01
• Deposit Date: Nov 29, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 31, 2024
• Journal: Ecological Solutions and Evidence
• Print ISSN: 2688-8319
• Electronic ISSN: 2688-8319
• Publisher: Wiley Open Access
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 5
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: e12300
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.12300
• Keywords: distance sampling, camera trapping, wildlife management, population density estimation, ecological monitoring, remote sensing
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1962788