The status of many carnivore populations is of growing concern to scientists and conservationists, making the need for data pertaining to carnivore distribution, abundance, and habitat use ever more pressing. Recent developments in “noninvasivea research techniques'those that minimize disturbance to the animal being studied'have resulted in a greatly expanded toolbox for the wildlife practitioner.
Presented in a straightforward and readable style, Noninvasive Survey Methods for Carnivores is a comprehensive guide for wildlife researchers who seek to conduct carnivore surveys using the most up-to-date scientific approaches. Twenty-five experts from throughout North America discuss strategies for implementing surveys across a broad range of habitats, providing input on survey design, sample collection, DNA and endocrine analyses, and data analysis. Photographs from the field, line drawings, and detailed case studies further illustrate on-the-ground application of the survey methods discussed.
Coupled with cutting-edge laboratory and statistical techniques, which are also described in the book, noninvasive survey methods are effi cient and effective tools for sampling carnivore populations. Noninvasive Survey Methods for Carnivores allows practitioners to carefully evaluate a diversity of detection methods and to develop protocols specific to their survey objectives, study area, and species of interest. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in the study of carnivores, from scientists engaged in primary research to agencies or organizations requiring carnivore detection data to develop management or conservation plans.
List of North American Carnivore Species Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. Noninvasive Research and Carnivore Conservation Chapter 2. Designing Effective Noninvasive Carnivore Surveys Chapter 3. Natural Sign: Tracks and Scats Chapter 4. Track Stations Chapter 5. Remote Cameras Chapter 6. Hair Collection Chapter 7. Scat Detection Dogs Chapter 8. Integrating Multiple Methods to Achieve Survey Objectives Chapter 9. Genetic and Endocrine Tools for Carnivore Surveys Chapter 10. Attracting Animals to Detection Devices Chapter 11. Statistical Modeling and Inference from Carnivore Survey Data Chapter 12. Synthesis and Future Research Needs
References Index
"This collection is a comprehensive guide for wildlife researchers, who seek to conduct carnivore surveys using the most recent scientific approaches."
