Are remote cameras and mark-recapture estimators a viable method to monitor mule deer populations?

Authors

Jacob Fullmer, Brigham Young University
Dr. Randy Larsen, Brigham Young University

Keywords

remote cameras, mark-recapture estimators, monitor mule deer populations

College

Life Sciences

Department

Plant and Wildlife Sciences

Abstract

Current methods for estimating mule deer populations are costly and difficult to complete with accuracy. Biologists traditionally use ground or aerial surveys, model-based simulations, or a combination of these two methods to estimate population sizes. Remote cameras may provide a more efficient method to reliably and precisely estimate populations. A recent BYU study successfully used remote cameras to accurately estimate a low-density mule deer population, but the applicability of this method to higher-density populations remains unclear. We wanted to apply this new method in a high-density area to determine the practicality of using remote cameras to estimate mule deer populations at a broad scale.

Recommended Citation

Fullmer, Jacob and Larsen, Dr. Randy (2017) "Are remote cameras and mark-recapture estimators a viable method to monitor mule deer populations?," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2017: Iss. 1, Article 244.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2017/iss1/244