2026-09-17 ジョージア大学（UGA）
＜関連情報＞
探知犬誘導によるカメラ設置は、オコジョ（Neogale frenata） の調査効率を向上させる Detection-Dog-Guided Camera Placement Increases Efficiency of Surveys for Long-Tailed Weasels (Neogale frenata)
Jenna B. Myers, Aeryn A. Dingerson, Emily Rushton, Kristina L. Johannsen, L. Mike Conner, Steven B. Castleberry
Wildlife Letters Published: 01 September 2026
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/wll2.70050
ABSTRACT
Multi-species surveys are commonly used to monitor mesocarnivore populations, but these methods often result in insufficient detection of cryptic species. Long-tailed Weasels (Neogale frenata) are cryptic carnivores that conventional survey techniques rarely detect. Therefore, we compared Long-tailed Weasel detection rates and costs of an intensive, widespread community-level camera survey and a multi-method camera survey that used detection dogs to guide camera placement. The detection-dog-guided camera survey had approximately 33 times greater detections with fewer camera nights and reduced survey costs. Monthly detection rates were highest using detection-dog-guided camera surveys during the pregnancy and parturition period. Both survey methods confirmed the presence of Long-tailed Weasels, demonstrating that method suitability depends on survey objective. Our research contributes to refining non-invasive surveying techniques for weasels amid increasing concerns of population declines and range constrictions.
Summary
Practitioner Points
- Community-level surveys of mesocarnivores can confirm presence of Long-tailed Weasels but result in low detection rates.
- For surveys aiming to estimate population parameters, refine distribution, or identify habitat preferences, we recommend using scent detection dogs to identify focal areas in which to deploy cameras.
- In addition to detection dogs, we recommend surveys in the southern Appalachian Mountains maximize detection rates by focusing camera placement in areas near water with dense understory cover during the early spring in the pregnancy and parturition season.
