TY - JOUR

T1 - A model for the noninvasive, habitat-inclusive estimation of upper limit abundance for synanthropes, exemplified by M. fascicularis

AU - Koch Liston, André L.

AU - Zhu, Xueying

AU - Bang, Tran V.

AU - Phiapalath, Phaivanh

AU - Hun, Seiha

AU - Ahmed, Tanvir

AU - Hasan, Sabit

AU - Biswas, Sajib

AU - Nath, Shimul

AU - Ahmed, Toufique

AU - Ilham, Kurnia

AU - Lwin, Ngwe

AU - Frechette, Jackson L.

AU - Hon, Naven

AU - Agger, Cain

AU - Ai, Suzuki

AU - Auda, Emeline

AU - Gazagne, Eva

AU - Kamler, Jan F.

AU - Groenenberg, Milou

AU - Banet-Eugene, Sarah

AU - Challis, Neil

AU - Vibol, Neth

AU - Leroux, Nicole

AU - Sinovas, Pablo

AU - Reaksmey, Sophatt

AU - Muñoz, Vanessa H.

AU - Lappan, Susan

AU - Zainol, Zaki

AU - Albanese, Valeria

AU - Alexiadou, Athanasia

AU - Nielsen, Daniel R.K.

AU - Holzner, Anna

AU - Ruppert, Nadine

AU - Briefer, Elodie F.

AU - Fuentes, Agustin

AU - Hansen, Malene F.

PY - 2024

Y1 - 2024

N2 - Accurately estimating population sizes for free-ranging animals through noninvasive methods, such as camera trap images, remains particularly limited by small datasets. To overcome this, we developed a flexible model for estimating upper limit populations and exemplified it by studying a group-living synanthrope, the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis). Habitat preference maps, based on environmental and GPS data, were generated with a maximum entropy model and combined with data obtained from camera traps, line transect distance sampling, and direct sightings to produce an expected number of individuals. The mapping between habitat preference and number of individuals was optimized through a tunable parameter ρ (inquisitiveness) that accounts for repeated observations of individuals. Benchmarking against published data highlights the high accuracy of the model. Overall, this approach combines citizen science with scientific observations and reveals the long-tailed macaque populations to be (up to 80%) smaller than expected. The model's flexibility makes it suitable for many species, providing a scalable, noninvasive tool for wildlife conservation.

AB - Accurately estimating population sizes for free-ranging animals through noninvasive methods, such as camera trap images, remains particularly limited by small datasets. To overcome this, we developed a flexible model for estimating upper limit populations and exemplified it by studying a group-living synanthrope, the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis). Habitat preference maps, based on environmental and GPS data, were generated with a maximum entropy model and combined with data obtained from camera traps, line transect distance sampling, and direct sightings to produce an expected number of individuals. The mapping between habitat preference and number of individuals was optimized through a tunable parameter ρ (inquisitiveness) that accounts for repeated observations of individuals. Benchmarking against published data highlights the high accuracy of the model. Overall, this approach combines citizen science with scientific observations and reveals the long-tailed macaque populations to be (up to 80%) smaller than expected. The model's flexibility makes it suitable for many species, providing a scalable, noninvasive tool for wildlife conservation.

U2 - 10.1126/sciadv.adn5390

DO - 10.1126/sciadv.adn5390

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 38787941

AN - SCOPUS:85194218072

VL - 10

JO - Science advances

JF - Science advances

SN - 2375-2548

IS - 21

M1 - eadn5390

ER -