A mark-recapture approach for estimating population size of the endangered ringed seal (Phoca hispida saimensis)

Reliable population estimates are fundamental to the conservation of endangered species. We evaluate here the use of photo-identification (photo-ID) and mark-recapture techniques for estimating the population size of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal (Phoca hispida saimensis). Photo-ID data based on...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:PloS one 2019-03, Vol.14 (3), p.e0214269
Main Authors: Koivuniemi, Meeri, Kurkilahti, Mika, Niemi, Marja, Auttila, Miina, Kunnasranta, Mervi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Animal behavior
Animals
Basins
Biology and Life Sciences
Boats
Breeding
Cameras
Climate Change
Climate monitoring
Climatic conditions
Conservation
Earth Sciences
Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Endangered Species
Engineering and Technology
Estimates
Estimation
Female
Finland
Genetic diversity
Ice
Identification
Male
Marine mammals
Medicine and Health Sciences
Methods
Molting
Natural resources
Pelage
Phoca - anatomy & histology
Phoca - growth & development
Phoca hispida
Physical Sciences
Population
Population Density
Population number
Population statistics
Protection and preservation
Pusa hispida saimensis
Research and Analysis Methods
Seals
Seasons
Site fidelity
Studies
Surveying
Video Recording - methods
Wildlife conservation
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Summary:Reliable population estimates are fundamental to the conservation of endangered species. We evaluate here the use of photo-identification (photo-ID) and mark-recapture techniques for estimating the population size of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal (Phoca hispida saimensis). Photo-ID data based on the unique pelage patterns of individuals were collected by means of camera traps and boat-based surveys during the molting season in two of the species' main breeding areas, over a period of five years in the Pihlajavesi basin and eight years in the Haukivesi basin. An open model approach provided minimum population estimates for these two basins. The results indicated high survival rates and site fidelity among the adult seals. More accurate estimates can be obtained in the future by increasing the surveying effort both spatially and temporally. The method presented here proved effective for evaluating population size objectively, whereas the results of the current snow lair censuses are dependent on varying winter conditions, for instance. We therefore suggest that a photo-ID-based non-invasive mark-recapture method should be used for estimating Saimaa ringed seal abundances in order to ensure reliable, transparent population monitoring under changing climatic conditions.
ISSN:1932-6203
1932-6203
DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0214269