Recent research has led
to the establishment of standardized protocols for detecting forest
carnivores(fisher, marten, wolverine, and lynx). However, the effectiveness
of these protocols for detecting a given species, as indicated by the
probability of detection (POD), has not been estimated. Over the past
two years, Jake has assessed the efficacy of covered trackplates for
detecting American marten in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana.
He radio collared and placed a unique brand on the toe pads of several
marten in his study area then monitored their movements via telemetry.
At the same time, he dispersed track plates throughout his study area
as per the USFS protocol. The probability of detection was estimated
as the ratio of survey units on which marten were detected to survey
units where marten were known to exist (POD = 0.70, n = 10). Similarly,
the probability of detecting a given individual was estimated as the
ratio of branded animals detected to the total number of branded animals
in the study area (PODind = 0.00, n = 15). It appears that track plates
work acceptably well for detecting the presence of marten in areas where
densities are relatively high. However, since the PODind is low, track
plates may not work as reliably in areas where marten densities are
lower. Additionally, he monitored marten activity near (within 5m) track
plates using modified telemetry systems. Data from these systems indicated
that several radio collared individuals were attracted to the vicinity
of track plate stations but were not willing to enter the plate.
A complete description of
his research can be found in his thesis in the Mansfield Library at
The University of Montana.
Jake's research was funded
through the U.S.D.A. Forest Service Intermountain Research Station,
Missoula, Montana. A manuscript has been submitted. Jake is currently
a Ph.D. student at Colorado State University.
