Title
Perspectives from ten years of Jaguar (Panthera onca) camera trapping in Mesoamerica
Author(s)
Maffei, L.;Polisar, J.;Garcia, R.;Moreira, J.;Noss, A.J.
Published
2011
Publisher
Mesoamericana
Abstract
Between 2000-2010, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Jaguar Conservation Program (JCP) supported 77 range wide camera trap surveys and 40 surveys in Mesoamerica alone, with density estimates ranging from 0.74 to 11.2 jaguars/100 km². Sampling design varied widely based upon equipment, personnel and budget constraints. The size of the polygon formed by the camera trap stations (i.e., size of trapping area) was highly variable. Another source of sampling variation was the presence of pre-existing trails which have a higher capture rate compared to areas with no trails. The environmental sources of variation included actual high or low jaguar density, based on forest type and protection level. We recommend a minimum of 110 km² camera trap polygons in Central American surveys. If using the program Capture, the effective survey area including a ½ MMDM buffer should be at least 200 km2 yet the effective survey area should not be more than twice the camera polygon. The use of digital cameras that take a rapid sequence of photographs will maximize identifications when combined with the application of a scent.

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