Monitoring Forest Carnivores Via Snow Track Surveys in the

Monitoring Forest Carnivores via
Snow Track Surveys in the
Southwestern Crown of the
Continent
Objectives
 Collect baseline info on distribution & relative abundance
of forest carnivores across the landscape
 Develop methodology that’s repeatable, scientifically
supported, and has management and conservation
implications
 Add to genetic database for three focal species
 Identify “hot spots” where more intensive research could
be conducted
Focal Species
2nd Tier Species Include: Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Wolf,
Marten
Why Snow Track Surveys?
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Scientifically supported
Multi-species
Genetic collection
Compliments bait stations
Landscape scale
Non-invasive/passive
METHODS
• ABUNDANCE• DISTRIBUTION
• GENETICS
5 x 5 mi grid
(per Squires et al. 2004
&
Schwartz et al. 2006)
Figure 1. Computer-modeled relationship between the
probability of detecting lynx and the number of visits to an 8 km
survey transect pixel relative to the number of days since last
snow. From Squires et al. (2004).
Challenges
• Snow conditions
– Tracking
– Traveling
• Roadless areas, and/or areas with difficult
terrain
• Balancing the variables we can control with
the variables we cannot
• Data analysis (point data/transect data)
The Right Recipe
• A landscape/project area that receives reliable
snow
• Ample access due to network of roads
• Experienced field technicians with good track
ID skills and knowledge of the landscape
• Partnerships