Habitat selection and abundance of common genets using camera capture-mark-recapture data

Pedro Bernardo Sarmento (1) , Joana P. Cruz (2) , Catarina I. Eira (3) , Carlos Fonseca (3)

1 Departamento de Biologia da Universidade de Aveiro
2 Terra e Tudo, Consultoria e Gestão de Recursos Naturais
3 CESAM and Departamento de Biologia da Universidade de Aveiro

Using camera-trapping techniques, the present study, conducted from 2005 to 2007, provides common genet abundance estimates in Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve (central-eastern Portugal). We estimated genet abundance using the software CAPTURE. It was possible to obtain a capture success of 1.49 captures/100 trap-nights. Considering the heterogeneity model (M), which presents higher biological significance, the estimated density varied between 0.50 (95% CI = 0.43–0.56 genets/km) to 0.92 (95% CI = 0.87–0.97 genets/km) genets/km with an average density value of 0.70 genets/km (95% CI = 0.58–0.82 genets/km). These estimates emphasized this technique as a reliable method for assessing average genet density over large spatial scales and for monitoring future changes in genet numbers. In terms of habitat selection, genets selected and woodlands and avoided spp. and scrubland and stands. Considering the landscape heterogeneity outside the reserve, our study emphasizes the importance of the protected area for small carnivore conservation.

Mots clés: Camera trap; Capture-mark-recapture; Common genet; Density estimate; Program CAPTURE

Pedro Bernardo Sarmento, Joana P. Cruz, Catarina I. Eira, Carlos Fonseca. Habitat selection and abundance of common genets using camera capture-mark-recapture data. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 2009, 56 (1), pp.59-66. ⟨10.1007/s10344-009-0294-z⟩. ⟨hal-00535236⟩