Wild cats of the Sky Islands: a summary of monitoring efforts using noninvasive techniques
This article is part of a larger document. View the larger document here.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.

