Utilizing the time-to-event framework to estimate elk abundance over a large spatial scale in the Klamath Mountains of California
In northern California, Roosevelt (Cervus canadensis roosevelti) and Rocky Mountain (C. c. nelsoni) elk occupy a wide variety of habitats over a large extent, including the Marble Mountains Elk Management Unit (MM EMU). Dense forest canopy and steep, mountainous terrain present significant challenge...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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California Department of Fish and Wildlife
2023-11-01
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| Series: | California Fish and Wildlife Journal |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journal.wildlife.ca.gov/2023/11/21/utilizing-the-time-to-event-framework-to-estimate-elk-abundance-over-a-large-spatial-scale-in-the-klamath-mountains-of-california/ |
| Summary: | In northern California, Roosevelt (Cervus canadensis roosevelti) and Rocky Mountain (C. c. nelsoni) elk occupy a wide variety of habitats over a large extent, including the Marble Mountains Elk Management Unit (MM EMU). Dense forest canopy and steep, mountainous terrain present significant challenges for monitoring elk populations using traditional aerial and ground-based methods. These constraints have resulted in inadequate spatial and temporal research and monitoring. To address the need for comprehensive and reliable elk abundance estimates, we implemented a landscape-level camera trap study within the MM EMU. We deployed 180 cameras and applied a time-to-event model to estimate elk abundance. This method uses the movement rate, area in front of each camera, and leverages the latency time to detection for a given species. Analysis yielded an estimate of 1,415 (95% CI: 1,044–1,919) elk across the management unit. Here, we present the use of a recently developed method to non-invasively estimate the abundance of unmarked elk at the landscape-level in northern California. Implementation of this method can provide reliable information to aid management decisions for the continued recreational, ecological, and economic benefits of elk and wildlife in general. |
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| ISSN: | 2689-419X 2689-4203 |