Neotropical ungulates density estimates.

• Grant number: 24/04732-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Applied Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Márcio Leite de Oliveira
• Grantee: Jhenifer Marques Pires
• Supervisor: Marcus Rowcliffe
• Host Institution: Universidade de Araraquara (UNIARA). Associação São Bento de Ensino. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Institute Of Zoology, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/11151-1 - Neotropical ungulates density estimates, BP.IC

Abstract

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