understanding marking-behavior patterns to optimize camera-trapping studies
Miha Krofel (Author), Teresa Oliveira (Author), Francesco Rovero (Author), Claudio Groff (Author), Claudio Augugliaro (Author), Valentina Oberosler (Author), Maximilian Allen (Author)

Abstract

Many carnivores rely on marking behavior for intraspecific communication with potential mates and competitors, using scent and visual markings to advertise their use of a territory and allow potential mates to assess their quality. However, obtaining data on communication behaviors of rare and elusive animals can be challenging. To better understand marking behavior of snow leopard (Panthera uncia), we combined camera-trapping, snow-tracking and transect counts of scrapes in the Altai Mountains, Mongolia, and measured frequencies of communication behaviors in both space and time. Next, we explored if this information could be used to improve the efficiency of snow leopard population monitoring through camera-trapping. Using the combination of all three methods, we detected seven communication behaviors. Most visits at marking sites began with sniffing (recorded at 56.4% visits) before progressing to other behaviors. Urine spraying (17.7% of visits) and scraping (16.8%) were exhibited at significantly more visits than other communication behaviors (flehmen, head/body rubbing, fecal deposition, claw marking). According to the snow-tracking data conducted in optimal habitats, scraping was the most frequent marking behavior with 12.8 scrapes/km, followed by urine marking with 10.5 marks/km. Along 32 transects, we recorded a mean of 8.0 cumulative scrapes/km, with highest marking rates recorded in gorges, which we recommend as prime habitats for deploying camera-traps. Finally, our results suggest that the number of scrapes observed at potential camera-trapping sites represents a good predictor of snow leopard visitation rate. Therefore, this parameter can be used when choosing camera-trapping locations to increase the efficiency of monitoring programs.

Keywords

intraspecific communication;monitoring;felids;carnivores;Mongolia;

Data

Language: English
Year of publishing:
Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
Organization: UL BF - Biotechnical Faculty
UDC: 599.742.711:591.58(517.9)(045)
COBISS: 226422019 Link will open in a new window
ISSN: 1432-0762
Views: 88
Downloads: 50
Average score: 0 (0 votes)
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Other data

Secondary language: Slovenian
Secondary keywords: komunikacija;monitoring;mačke;zveri;Mongolija;
Type (COBISS): Article
Pages: str. 1-13
Volume: ǂVol. ǂ79
Issue: ǂissue ǂ3, article number 32
Chronology: Mar. 2025
DOI: 10.1007/s00265-025-03574-8
ID: 25925385
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