Wild cats of the Sky Islands: a summary of monitoring efforts using noninvasive techniques

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  • Authors: Haynes, Lisa; Hackl, Zoe; Culver, Melanie
  • Publication Year: 2005
  • Publication Series: Proceedings (P)
  • Source: In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Edminster, Carleton B., comps. Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II. Proc. RMRS-P-36. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 185-188

Abstract

A variety of efforts are taking place to detect, inventory, and monitor the wild felids (pumas, bobcats, jaguars, and ocelots) of the Madrean Archipelago. Researchers are using a suite of noninvasive methods, including infrared-triggered photography, DNA analysis of scat and hair (collected from “hair snares”), and old-fashioned tracking and sign searches. These efforts are being conducted by a variety of academic, government, and non-governmental organizations in the United States and Mexico. We briefly outline the various projects including their results to date, discuss threats to native felids in the region, and provide recommendations for further research, monitoring, and conservation.

  • Citation: Haynes, Lisa; Hackl, Zoe; Culver, Melanie 2005. Wild cats of the Sky Islands: a summary of monitoring efforts using noninvasive techniques. In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Edminster, Carleton B., comps. Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II. Proc. RMRS-P-36. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 185-188
  • Keywords: Lynx rufus, Puma concolor, Panthera onca, Leopardus pardalis, Herpailurus yaguarondi, wildcats, infrared photography, DNA, hair, feces, tracking, monitoring, conservation, Sky Islands, Arizona
  • Posted Date: June 9, 2006
  • Modified Date: August 22, 2006
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