WildObs Camera Trap Data Package: Determining the best survey design to measure population density of a cryptic mammal

Research Project

Researchers: Adrian Wayne (Investigation, Principal investigator, Principal or Chief Investigator) ,  Nicola Mitchell (Investigation, Principal investigator, Principal or Chief Investigator) ,  Renee Firman (Investigation, Principal investigator, Principal or Chief Investigator) ,  Sian Thorn (Investigation, Principal investigator, Principal or Chief Investigator)

Full description Camera trap data package from the Wildlife Observatory of Australia's Wildlife Camera Database. Dataset ID: WA_Upper_Warren_Numbat_Thorn_2020_WildObsID_0033. Management of threatened fauna requires monitoring methods that can track changes in population size and evaluate the efficacy of conservation initiatives. Spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) models provide a means for density estimation with flexibility in sampling design due to the incorporation of animal movement. SECR models can be used in conjunction with remote sensor camera trap images to provide density estimates when animals can be individually identified. However, careful consideration of study design is essential for providing useful information in a cost-effective manner and producing robust estimates of density. Here, we explored options for SECR sampling designs for the numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus), a diurnal marsupial. We deployed camera arrays in two areas of known numbat occupancy in the Upper Warren reg