ZLV Online

Abstract

Invasive mammalian species, which can pose a significant threat to biodiversity and ecosystem stability, are one of the most problematic threats for the protection worldwide. In the Czech Republic, nutria (Myocastor coypus) is one of the most problematic due to localized damage to agricultural crops and negative impact to riparian ecosystem vegetation. At present, however, there is no methodology available to systematically monitor nutria population density, distribution and new habitat colonization. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop a methodology for the accurate determination of nutria abundance that should allow the identification of risk areas and more effective control of agricultural damage. The proposed pilot methodology is based on a combination of direct counting using thermal cameras, indirect verification of residence signs and activity assessment by camera traps. Results from selected locality of interest in Central Bohemia and a control site indicated high nutria abundance, with highest mean abundance recorded along rivers (22.14 ind./km; 95% CI: 0–44.78) and streams (11.90 ind./km; 95% CI: 3.09–20.71), with lower abundance around other water bodies (6.24 ind./km; 95% CI: 0–16.53) and drainage canals (4.64 ind./km; 95% CI: 0.68–8.60).