UNASSIGNED: Using multiple survey methods, we predicted that our ability to detect pythons, larger snakes and all other snakes would be enhanced with the use of live mammalian lures (domesticated rabbits; Oryctolagus cuniculus). Specifically, we used visual surveys, python detection dogs, and time-lapse game cameras to determine if domesticated rabbits were an effective lure.
UNASSIGNED: Time-lapse game cameras detected almost 40 times more snakes (n = 375, treatment = 245, control = 130) than visual surveys (n = 10). We recorded 21 independent detections of pythons at treatment pens (with lures) and one detection at a control pen (without lures). In addition, we found larger snakes, and all other snakes were 165% and 74% more likely to be detected at treatment pens compared to control pens, respectively. Time-lapse cameras detected almost 40 times more snakes than visual surveys; we did not detect any pythons with python detection dogs.
UNASSIGNED: Our study presents compelling evidence that the detection of snakes is improved by coupling live mammalian lures with time-lapse game cameras. Although the identification of smaller snake species was limited, this was due to pixel resolution, which could be improved by changing the camera focal length. For larger snakes with individually distinctive patterns, this method could potentially be used to identify unique individuals and thus allow researchers to estimate population dynamics.
■使用多种调查方法,我们预测我们检测蟒蛇的能力,使用活的哺乳动物诱饵(驯养的兔子;Oryctolaguscuniculus)可以增强较大的蛇和所有其他蛇。具体来说,我们用视觉调查,蟒蛇探测犬,和延时游戏摄像机来确定家养兔子是否是有效的诱饵。
■延时游戏摄像机检测到的蛇(n=375,治疗=245,控制=130)几乎是视觉调查(n=10)的40倍。我们在治疗笔(有诱饵)上记录了21个独立的蟒蛇检测结果,在对照笔(无诱饵)上记录了一个检测结果。此外,我们发现了更大的蛇,与对照围栏相比,在治疗围栏中检测到所有其他蛇的可能性分别为165%和74%,分别。延时相机检测到的蛇几乎是视觉调查的40倍;我们没有用蟒蛇检测犬检测到任何蟒蛇。
■我们的研究提供了令人信服的证据,证明通过将活体哺乳动物诱饵与延时游戏相机耦合,可以改善对蛇的检测。尽管对较小的蛇物种的鉴定有限,这是由于像素分辨率,这可以通过改变相机焦距来改善。对于具有独特图案的较大蛇,这种方法有可能用于识别独特的个体,从而使研究人员能够估计种群动态.