Estimation of sika deer density indices using a line transect method and camera traps in a low-deer-density area
2017
Minamino, K. (Forestry Research Institute, Hokkaido Research Organization, Bibai, Hokkaido (Japan)) | Unno, A. | Akashi, N.
Line transect methods using distance sampling have been developed and applied to estimate the size of many wildlife populations. Camera traps are also widely used to monitor populations and estimate their size. In this study, we investigated sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) population density using both a line transect method and camera traps in the low-deer-density area of central Hokkaido. A line transect route of 42 km in length was established in the study area (58.8 square km), and we conducted spotlight counts four times each in the early June and late October of 2014. Using distance sampling methods, deer population density was estimated to be approximately 3.5 deer/square km [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.3-4.1 deer/square km], and the total number of deer in the study area in October was estimated to be approximately 206 (95% CI: 132-321). We set up a total of 20 infrared-triggered cameras along the line transect from June to October 2014 and 4 cameras from November 2014 to June 2015. During the study period (3,294 camera days in total), 484 pictures of deer were recorded. Relative abundance index (RAI) increased in fall and decreased in winter, and there were no observations of deer from January to March 2015. The monthly RAIs were within the range of 0.0-31.7.
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