open access publication

Article, 2024

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

Science Advances, ISSN 2375-2548, Volume 10, 21, Page eadn5390, 10.1126/sciadv.adn5390

Contributors

Liston, Andre Luiz Koch [1] [2] [3] Zhu, Xueying 0009-0004-4656-9371 [2] [4] [5] Bang, Tran V. [2] [6] Phiapalath, Phaivanh [2] Hun, Seiha [2] [7] Ahmed, Tanvir [2] [8] [9] Hasan, Sabit [2] [10] Biswas, Sajib [2] [9] Nath, Shimul [2] [9] Ahmed, Toufique 0009-0001-0387-2977 [2] [9] Ilham, Kurnia [2] [11] [12] Lwin, Ngwe 0000-0002-4394-3741 [13] Frechette, Jackson L [7] Hon, Naven [7] Agger, Cain 0009-0006-2547-1505 [14] Ai, Suzuki [15] [16] Auda, Emeline [14] Gazagne, Eva 0000-0001-8077-4193 [17] Kamler, Jan F 0000-0003-4148-2088 [18] Groenenberg, Milou 0000-0002-7618-4630 [19] Banet-Eugene, Sarah [19] Challis, Neil [2] [20] Vibol, Neth [21] Leroux, Nicole [21] Sinovas, Pablo [22] Reaksmey, Sophatt [23] Muñoz, Vanessa H. [23] Lappan, Susan 0000-0002-0139-8837 [24] [25] Zainol, Zaki [26] Albanese, Valeria [2] Alexiadou, Athanasia [2] [5] Nielsen, Daniel R K [2] Holzner, Anna [2] Ruppert, Nadine 0000-0002-9760-0058 [2] [25] [26] Briefer, Elodie Floriane 0000-0003-4147-0319 [2] [5] Fuentes, Agustin [2] [3] Hansen, Malene Friis 0000-0002-4152-7947 (Corresponding author) [2] [3] [5] [27]

Affiliations

  1. [1] Columbia University
    2. [NORA names: United States; America, North; OECD];
  2. [2] The Long-Tailed Macaque Project, Sorø, Denmark.
    3. [NORA names: Denmark; Europe, EU; Nordic; OECD];
  3. [3] Princeton University
    4. [NORA names: United States; America, North; OECD];
  4. [4] University of Western Australia
    5. [NORA names: Australia; Oceania; OECD];
  5. [5] University of Copenhagen
    6. [NORA names: KU University of Copenhagen; University; Denmark; Europe, EU; Nordic; OECD];

Abstract

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.

Keywords

GPS, GPS data, Inquisition, M. fascicularis, abundance, accuracy, animals, camera, camera trap images, camera traps, citizen science, citizens, conservation, data, dataset, entropy model, flexibility, flexible model, free-ranging animals, habitat, habitat preference maps, habitat preferences, images, individuals, limited abundance, limited population, long-tailed macaque populations, long-tailed macaques, macaque populations, macaques, maps, maximum entropy model, method, model, modeling flexibility, noninvasive method, noninvasive tool, observations, observations of individuals, parameter R, population, population size, preference mapping, preferences, published data, science, scientific observations, sight, size, species, synanthropization, tools, trap images, traps, tunable parameter r, upper-limit abundances, wildlife, wildlife conservation

Funders

  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
  • United States Agency for International Development
  • Carlsberg Foundation
  • Robertson Foundation
  • Japan Science Society
  • Fund for Scientific Research

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