We explored use of non-invasive track and camera surveys to provide baseline information on distribution, activity, and habitat associations of mammalian carnivores within the Chiricahua and Peloncillo mountains of southeastern Arizona. In total, track and camera stations recorded 241 and 149 detections, respectively, of carnivores and other vertebrates in both mountain ranges. In order of frequency of detections, we recorded gray foxes (112 track and camera detections), white-nosed coatis (33), large skunks (25), ringtails (13), domestic dogs (13), coyotes (9), cougars (7), bobcats (3), and western spotted skunks (2) in both the Chiricahua and Peloncillo mountains, and one American black bear was photographed in the Chiricahua mountains. Other vertebrates detected included cattle (12), deer (10), and a variety of small rodents (83), birds (33), lizards (22), and lagomorphs (12). The combination of track and camera data were effective at detecting a variety of species in a range of habitat types, and emphasized the importance of deciduous riparian habitat for carnivores as well as other vertebrates.
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1 December 2008
Exploratory Use of Track and Camera Surveys of Mammalian Carnivores in the Peloncillo and Chiricahua Mountains of Southeastern Arizona
Kevin R. Crooks,
Melissa Grigione,
Alison Scoville,
Gerald Scoville
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The Southwestern Naturalist
Vol. 53 • No. 4
December 2008
Vol. 53 • No. 4
December 2008