Title
Density and activity patterns of ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in Rio Hondo, Madidi National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area, La Paz, Bolivia / Densidad y patrones de actividad de ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) en Rio Hondo, Parque Nacional y Area Natural de Manejo Integrado Madidi, La Paz, Bolivia
Author(s)
Guido Ayala; Maria Estela Viscarra; Robert Wallace
Published
2010
Publisher
Revista Boliviana de Ecología y Conservación Ambiental
Abstract
Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), as well as other neotropical cat species, are elusive animals and difficult to study applying conventional methods such as transects and signs. Different researchers are currently applying the capture-recapture method, using camera traps. This is an efficient method for estimating densities of forest dwelling, individually recognizable carnivores. In Bolivia, few studies exist on the biology and ecology of L. pardalis. We estimated ocelot density and activity with a specific design, using camera traps in the Hondo River of Madidi National Park and Natural Area of Integrated Management. The camera trap method resulted in 33 photographs of 17 individuals (10 females, 4 males, and 3 unidentified). Applying the capture-recapture model program CAPTURE, abundance was determined to be 23 individuals (95% confidence limits, 16-50 individuals). Density calculated with CAPTURE was 40.5 ocelots/100 km2, with a buffer of 1.02 km, and a sampling area of 56.8 km2. The DENSITY program indicated a density of 0.66 ind/km2 (66 ind/100 km2). According to the activity patterns, ocelots are nocturnal. Activity increases markedly between 19:00-4:00 h and decreases during daylight hours. / Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), like other feline species of the Neotropics, are elusive animals and difficult to study by conventional methods such as transects and signs. Currently, different researchers are applying the capture-recapture method using camera traps, which is an efficient method to estimate densities of felids with individual tags. There are few studies on the biology and ecology of this species. In view of the need to generate a species-specific design, this study reports the estimation of ocelot density and activity with a species-specific design using camera traps. The study was developed in the Hondo River, located within the Madidi Integrated Management National Park. Using camera traps, 33 photographs were taken of 17 individuals (10 females, 4 males and 3 unidentified). By means of capture-recapture models using the CAPTURE program, an abundance of 23 individuals was determined (95% confidence limits, 16-50 individuals). The calculated density was 40.5 individuals/100 km2, using a buffer of 1.02 km (1/2 MMDM) and a sampled area of 56.8 km2. With the DENSITY program the calculated density was 0.66 individuals/km2 (66/100 km2). Activity patterns show that ocelot activity is mainly nocturnal, with greater activity between 19:00-4:00 h, decreasing their activity during the day.
Keywords
abundance; capture recapture; SECR; ocelot; Leopardus pardalis; Bolivia; abundance; capture recapture; ocelot
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PUB35754