Detect and monitor cryptic species

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Some of the species who live in the Península Valdés are inconspicuous because of their nocturnal schedule or cryptic habits. Monitoring their movements through the use of motion and infrared-triggered cameras, telemetry equipment and GPS collars, allows the research team of CPV to obtain key information about their distribution, behavior and eating habits, in order to develop strategies to promote the good coexistence between the native animals and the domestic species.

These kinds of animals are notoriously difﬁcult to monitor. Some of them -like the felines (Puma concolor, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus colocolo)- are shy, solitary, and nocturnal with wide ranging patterns and naturally low densities, confounding efforts to obtain reliable population estimates.

Camera traps are being used throughout the world to address a wide range of issues in wildlife management and to address both research and management questions that cannot be easily answered with other methods. Besides detecting cryptic species and providing answers to practical management, camera trapping have a potentially large role in estimation abundance and establishing conservation priorities based on regional monitoring. The use of them by researchers and environmental educators continues to grow and become more integrated with more traditional scientific studies.

Radio collars are also a necessary tool for scientists to study wild cats because is the only method available to regularly observe and study highly cryptic animals in the vast environments where they roam. This kind of collars are typically comprised of a small transmitter, a battery and an antenna; they transmit a signal back to a receiver, so researchers can pick up the signal, and follow it to find the wearer. Tracking individual cats provides vital information so that scientists and conservationists can argue meaningfully about the status of a species in the wild. It’s crucial that as much is learned about them if we are to help protect the species.

Detect and monitor cryptic species

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Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site & Biosphere Reserve.