Camera trap survey of small carnivorans in Pendjari National Park in Benin

Bc. Vendula Josefína Benešová

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

This study is focused on analysis of species richness, occupancy, and activity patterns of small carnivorans. In year 2020 during dry season 56 camera traps were placed in systematic grid inside of core area of Pendjari National Park. Data were processed in ZSL-CTAP and 3 habitats – Grass savannah, Shrub savannah and Tree savannah were compared between each other. 9 species of small carnivorans from 5 families (Canidae, Felidae, Herpestidae, Mustelidae and Viverravidae) were found in the area. The most diverse area was Grass savannah and the least diverse was shrub savannah. However, in terms of diversity no significant differences were found between the areas. Most common species were white-tailed mongoose and side-striped jackal. Suitability of occupancy models was tested, and it was found out, that for most of the species habitat does not play a role in terms of occupancy or detection probability estimates. The exception was genet spp. and serval. The occupancy estimates were affected by habitat for genet spp. that occupied mostly Tree savannahs. The detection probability estimates for serval were also affected by habitat, but serval was least probable to detect in Shrub savannah and most probable to detect in Grass savannah. Majority of detected species had nocturnal activity with exception of Egyptian mongoose and honey badger, who showed strictly crepuscular activity.

Keywords

Mesocarnivores, species diversity, species richness, occupancy, activity patterns, ZSL-CTAP

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 22. 4. 2022

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedoucí: doc. Ing. Karolína Brandlová, Ph.D.

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Fakulta tropického zemědělství

Magisterský studijní program / specializace:
Wildlife and Livestock Production, Management and Conservation / Wildlife Management and Conservation