A Preliminary Assessment on the Habitat Use of Carnivores in Al Mujib Biosphere Reserve Using Camera Trapping.

Autor: Hamidan, Nashat, Amr, Zuhair S., Baker, Mohammad A. Abu
Předmět:
Zdroj: Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences; 2020, Vol. 13 Issue 3, p371-374, 4p
Abstrakt: Carnivore populations in Jordan are on the decline due to continuous habitat loss, fragmentation, and human persecution. Monitoring movement patterns and habitat preferences through noninvasive methods is important to plan effective conservation programs within protected areas. We conducted a camera trap survey of carnivores in Al Mujib Biosphere Reserve, an arid sandstone habitat in southwestern Jordan. Six species were detected: the red fox, caracal, Afghan fox, striped hyena, grey wolf, and the wild cat. Detection of carnivores was higher at night, yet several were active during the day. Captures were also highest within the wilderness zone of the reserve. Most species showed higher preference for wadi systems which provided corridors for movement across their wide ranges and for stalking prey. This is the first study to monitor carnivore distribution and habitat use within protected areas in Jordan using noninvasive survey methods. It provides crucial data through relatively rapid means to assess reserve effectiveness and guide management efforts such as a land use planning within the reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Databáze: Complementary Index