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Combining local ecological knowledge with camera traps to assess the link between African mammal life history traits and their occurrence in anthropogenic landscapes

Bernard, Alice1; Guerbois, Chloé2; Moolman, Lizette3; De Morney, Melanie3; Venter, Jan2; Fritz, Herve4

Published Jul 12, 2024 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.41ns1rnph

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Abstract

Understanding what influences species and trait composition is critical for predicting changes in communities driven by landscape transformation. 

We explored how life history traits are associated with the persistence of mammal species in human-dominated habitats within the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve, South Africa. We combined data from a camera trap and a local ecological knowledge-based survey in an integrated occupancy model to analyze species occurrence along a gradient of anthropogenic landscape transformation. 

Results confirmed that mammal occurrence in human-modified habitats was related to specific life history traits. Species with more specialist diets, as well as larger body mass species were more likely to stay in protected areas. Species with slow reproductive strategies occupied more natural areas. 

Our study also showed that combining different monitoring methods enabled us to increase spatial coverage and mammal sighting numbers. This approach fostered research participation by various stakeholders, an important step for co-designing wildlife-friendly anthropogenic spaces. 

Synthesis and applications: Integrating data from a standard ecological protocol and structured participatory citizen knowledge allowed us to identify the species functional traits associated with mammal species occurrence in anthropogenic landscapes at a local scale. These results advocate for wisely combining methods, and will guide conservation orientated land-use planning towards the protection of natural habitats in the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve. This methodological approach will enable managers and conservationists to use data obtain from diverse protocols. This should catalyze the involvement of citizens in biodiversity monitoring and conservation.