Neotropical ungulates density estimates

• Grant number: 23/11151-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Applied Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Márcio Leite de Oliveira
• Grantee: Jhenifer Marques Pires
• Host Institution: Universidade de Araraquara (UNIARA). Associação São Bento de Ensino. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/04732-0 - Neotropical ungulates density estimates., BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Estimating wildlife density is crucial for species conservation. However, selecting themost appropriate method is a challenge due to the variety and particularities of availablemethods. Neotropical ungulates are medium and large-sized mammals that playessential ecological roles in their ecosystems. Despite their importance, there are fewstudies on the best methods to estimate the density of these species. The aim of thisproject is to identify whether there are differences in density values and respectiveaccuracies obtained with different detection methods and statistical analyses. To achievethis, we will review which detection methods and statistical models have been used instudies over the past 30 years. After this review, we will test whether there aredifferences in density values and respective accuracies obtained with these methods indifferent neotropical environments and ungulate families. This will allow us to identifypotential methodological and analytical biases currently being used and, thus, identifythe best techniques for each taxonomic group.