Using spatial capture-recapture models to estimate spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) population density and assess the influence of sex-specific covariates on space use and detection probability.

Despite being resident or reintroduced to multiple South African protected areas, spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) have been subject to limited population monitoring and are not managed in the same intensive way as other large carnivores. Considering the species’ significant influence on ecosystem processes, robust estimates of population density are necessary to inform conservation management. In this study, we ran a single-season camera trap survey in the Main Camp section of Addo Elephant National Park (Addo), South Africa, and used spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models to estimate spotted hyaena population density. Spotted hyaena density was estimated to be 11.13 (± SE 1.96) individuals/100 km2, with an estimated abundance of 37 (± SE 6.44). Using our database of sexed spotted hyaena individuals, we found no significant difference for sex-specific SCR parameters (baseline encounter probability and spatial scale parameter), suggesting the incorporation of sex-specific information may not be as necessary for spotted hyaena as it is for territorial felids and other species with more pronounced differences in range size. Spotted hyaena density in Addo was comparable to previous SCR studies and towards the higher end of known densities. Our estimate provides an important baseline for monitoring reintroduction success in Addo, and we advocate for increased SCR monitoring of spotted hyaena in South African protected areas to inform a metapopulation approach to the species’ management.

These data include spotted hyaena capture histories and metadata (_edf and _tdf files) for SCR analysis of spotted hyaena density in Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa. We test the effects of distance to den site, camera type and sex on baseline encounter probability and space use. We include R code which covers step by step analysis and associated instructions. GPS locations of camera traps can be obtained by contacting the authors directly with prior written permission from SANParks due to the sensitivity of such locations in their priority species monitoring program.

Original R Code supplied by author Dr Robert S. Davis

尽管斑鬣狗（spotted hyaena, *Crocuta crocuta*）已定居或被重新引入南非多个保护区，但其种群监测工作仍较为有限，且未像其他大型食肉动物那样采取集约化管理模式。鉴于该物种对生态系统过程具有显著影响，获取可靠的种群密度估算值可为保护管理决策提供依据，因此十分必要。本研究在南非阿多大象公园（Addo Elephant National Park）主营地片区开展了单季节相机陷阱调查，并利用空间捕获-重捕（spatial capture-recapture, SCR）模型估算斑鬣狗的种群密度。研究估算得到斑鬣狗种群密度为11.13（±标准误1.96）只/100 km²，种群总数量估算值为37（±标准误6.44）。利用已完成性别鉴定的斑鬣狗个体数据库，我们未发现性别相关的SCR参数（基线捕获概率与空间尺度参数）存在显著差异，这表明相较于领地性猫科动物及其他家域范围差异更显著的物种，斑鬣狗可能无需纳入性别特异性信息。阿多大象公园内的斑鬣狗密度与此前SCR研究结果相当，且处于已知密度区间的较高水平。本研究的估算值为监测阿多大象公园内斑鬣狗的再引入成效提供了重要基准，我们呼吁在南非保护区内加强斑鬣狗的SCR监测，以支撑该物种种群复合种群管理策略的制定。

本数据集包含用于南非阿多大象公园斑鬣狗密度SCR分析的斑鬣狗捕获历史数据与元数据（_edf和_tdf文件）。我们测试了巢穴距离、相机类型及性别对基线捕获概率与空间利用的影响。数据集附带覆盖完整分析流程的R代码及相关操作说明。由于相机陷阱的GPS坐标涉及该公园优先物种监测项目的敏感性信息，需事先获得南非国家公园管理局（SANParks）的书面许可，并直接联系作者方可获取。

本研究的原始R代码由作者罗伯特·S·戴维斯博士（Dr Robert S. Davis）提供。