Additionally, the provision of baited lures at cameras had additional benefits for Komodo detection, survey design and sampling effort costs.Ĭonclusions: Our study indicated that baited cameras provide the most effective monitoring method to survey low-density Komodo dragon populations in protected areas on Flores. Komodo dragon detection probability estimates were 0.15 ± 0.092–0.22 (95% CI), 0.01 ± 0.001–0.03, and 0.03 ± 0.01–0.04 for baited (6 daily survey sampling events), unbaited (6 daily survey sampling events) and long-unbaited (30 daily survey sampling events) sampling durations respectively. Key results: Baited camera monitoring produced higher site occupancy estimates with reduced variance.

Each CMS was randomly assigned as a baited or non-baited camera monitoring station and deployed for 6 or 30 daily sampling events.

Methods: Twenty-six camera monitoring stations (CMS) were deployed throughout the study area with a minimum of 400 m among CMS to achieve independent sampling units. Komodo dragon ( Varanus komodoensis) populations have been previously monitored using camera traps however, considerations for improving detection probability estimates for very low-density populations have not been well investigated.Īims: Here we compare the effects of baited versus non-baited camera monitoring protocols to influence Komodo dragon detection and occupancy estimates alongside monitoring survey design and cost considerations for ongoing population monitoring within the Wae Wuul Nature Reserve on Flores Island, Indonesia. Increasingly, camera traps are used to monitor threatened reptile populations and communities.

Context: Detection probability is a key attribute influencing population-level wildlife estimates necessary for conservation inference.

Comodo dragon size comparison