ALONG THE TRAIL OF CARNIVORES

Monitoring of the large carnivores’ populations

For an efficient monitoring of large carnivores, particularly the population trends, it is necessary to get an insight into their number, in order to determine whether a population is increasing, decreasing or it remains the same in a given period. This requires a systematic and continuous recording of their presence. Since large carnivores are secluded species and the opportunities to observe them directly are very rare, every finding and observation, especially of a wolf or a lynx, is of an immense significance and it can serve as a key information in reaching the right decisions related to the management of these strictly protected species.

One of the most frequently used and most efficient methods of gathering valuable information about the wolf and the lynx is the monitoring with the help of camera traps. Camera traps capture photos and create short video clips, containing sensors activated by movement and warmth each time an animal passes by.

One of the most important ways of collecting data is the observation of signs of a wolf’s or lynx’s presence, for example, trails in mud or snow, scat or remains of prey.

The presence of a wolf pack can sometimes be determined using the method of wolf-howling imitation, when the wolves howl back, letting us know about their presence in the habitat.

Modern technologies offer the scientists the option of telemetric (remote) monitoring of large carnivores, with the use of GPS/GSM collars. This way the researchers keep track of the animals for a longer period, mostly throughout one year, after which the collar automatically falls of the animal.

Evidently, there is a variety of ways for obtaining information about the large carnivores. Depending on what we want to monitor, we select a suitable method that meets the objective of the monitoring.