Title
Hair snares for noninvasive sampling of felids in North America: Do gray foxes affect success?
Author(s)
Downey P.J., Hellgren E.C., Caso A., Carvajal S., Frangioso K.
Published
2007
Publisher
Journal of Wildlife Management
Abstract
Hair-snare sampling has become a popular technique to assess distribution and abundance of felids. Using standard hair-snaring protocols, we sampled for margays (Leopardus wiedii) in Mexico and mountain lions (Puma concolor) in California, USA, without success. However, we noted a preponderance of gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) hair at sampling stations. Our review of recent literature suggests a pattern of failure to detect target felids in hair-snare surveys conducted within the range of the gray fox. We propose, among several alternative explanations, that marking by gray foxes interferes with the tendency of felids to face-rub at sampling stations.
Keywords
biological survey; canid; felid; hair; sampling; California; Mexico [North America]; North America; United States; Felidae; Leopardus wiedii; Puma concolor; Urocyon; Urocyon cinereoargenteus
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PUB10682