Adirondacks (New York)

Study Description:

This study, led by the New York State Museum, Wildlife Conservation Society, and University of Missouri, sought to survey the carnivores of Northern New York and establish the effects of land use change on their distribution, habitat requirements, and interactions. In addition to camera traps, track plates and scat surveys were also used to detect carnivores.

Study Design:

This study took place during the summers of 2000 to 2002. Camtraker film cameras were used at 55 transects for a sample period of one month. Of approximately 4,728 trap nights, select pictures of 3,000 uploaded to SI Wild are included. 2 or 3 cameras were set about 25m off trail, with a 2km spacing between cameras along the trails. Trails were spaced at least 5km apart. Both scent lure and meat bait, put on a tree, were placed.

Reference:

M. E. Gompper et al., A comparison of non-invasive techniques to survey carnivore communities in Northeastern North America. Wildl. Soc. Bull. 34, 1142–1151 (2006).