Contribution of camera-trapping to the knowledge of Abrocoma boliviensis

Rare and endemic rodent species, such as the critically endangered Bolivian chinchilla rat, Abrocoma boliviensis, are infrequently captured using traditional trapping methods. Therefore, to determine their presence and abundance, indirect records (bird pellets, feces, bone remains) are often used. Although not a popular method for rodents, the incorporation of photography is known to provide precise data. Therefore, the objective of this report was to demonstrate the importance of using photographic records and occupancy models in the study of the distribution and ecology of a small-body species with high conservation value. We used photographic records obtained from 180 camera-trap nights in two areas of the Andean dry forests of Bolivia, during both wet and dry seasons. Data analysis include the estimates of presence probability of A. boliviensis in the study sites, using an exploratory occupancy analysis. The estimated presence probability of Abrocoma boliviensis for the study sites were 30.2 % during dry season and 33.9 % during wet season. However, due to the limited amount of photographic records for the species, it was not possible to accurately determine the factors affecting the species presence probability. Camera-trapping records and associated metadata provided new ecological and distribution data for the Bolivian chinchilla rat. In combination with information about threats that the species faces, our data may be useful in generating and applying conservation actions

Photos provide information on age, but not kinship, of Andean bear

Using photos of captive Andean bears of known age and pedigree, and photos of wild Andean bear cubs <6 months old, we evaluated the degree to which visual information may be used to estimate bears’ ages and assess their kinship. We demonstrate that the ages of Andean bear cubs ≤6 months old may be estimated from their size relative to their mothers with an average error of <0.01 ± 13.2 days (SD; n = 14), and that ages of adults ≥10 years old may be estimated from the proportion of their nose that is pink with an average error of <0.01 ± 3.5 years (n = 41). We also show that similarity among the bears’ natural markings, as perceived by humans, is not associated with pedigree kinship among the bears (R2 < 0.001, N = 1,043, p = 0.499). Thus, researchers may use photos of wild Andean bears to estimate the ages of young cubs and older adults, but not to infer their kinship. Given that camera trap photos are one of the most readily available sources of information on large cryptic mammals, we suggest that similar methods be tested for use in other poorly understood species

Visual estimates of the sizes of Andean bear cubs relative to their mothers

This csv file contains data from photos of Andean bear cubs in captivity and in the wild (Cerro Venado, Lambayeque, Peru)

Data from: Photos provide information on age, but not kinship, of Andean bear

Using photos of captive Andean bears of known age and pedigree, and photos of wild Andean bear cubs <6 months old, we evaluated the degree to which visual information may be used to estimate bears’ ages and assess their kinship. We demonstrate that the ages of Andean bear cubs ≤6 months old may be estimated from their size relative to their mothers with an average error of <0.01 ± 13.2 days (SD; n = 14), and that ages of adults ≥10 years old may be estimated from the proportion of their nose that is pink with an average error of <0.01 ± 3.5 years (n = 41). We also show that similarity among the bears’ natural markings, as perceived by humans, is not associated with pedigree kinship among the bears (R2 < 0.001, N = 1,043, p = 0.499). Thus, researchers may use photos of wild Andean bears to estimate the ages of young cubs and older adults, but not to infer their kinship. Given that camera trap photos are one of the most readily available sources of information on large cryptic mammals, we suggest that similar methods be tested for use in other poorly understood species

Perceived similarity of the facial markings of captive Andean bears

This csv file contains data from an online survey in which participants were asked to rate the perceived similarity of the facial markings of the two captive bears shown in sequential pairs of photos

Visual estimates of the sizes of Andean bear cubs relative to their mothers

This csv file contains data from photos of Andean bear cubs in captivity and in the wild (Cerro Venado, Lambayeque, Peru)