Combining local ecological knowledge with camera traps to assess the link between African mammal life history traits and their occurrence in anthropogenic landscapes

Understanding what influences species and trait composition is critical
for predicting changes in communities driven by landscape
transformation.  We explored how life history traits are
associated with the persistence of mammal species in human-dominated
habitats within the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve, South Africa. We
combined data from a camera trap and a local ecological knowledge-based
survey in an integrated occupancy model to analyze species occurrence
along a gradient of anthropogenic landscape transformation. 
Results confirmed that mammal occurrence in human-modified habitats was
related to specific life history traits. Species with more specialist
diets, as well as larger body mass species were more likely to stay in
protected areas. Species with slow reproductive strategies occupied more
natural areas.  Our study also showed that combining different
monitoring methods enabled us to increase spatial coverage and mammal
sighting numbers. This approach fostered research participation by various
stakeholders, an important step for co-designing wildlife-friendly
anthropogenic spaces.  Synthesis and applications: Integrating
data from a standard ecological protocol and structured participatory
citizen knowledge allowed us to identify the species functional traits
associated with mammal species occurrence in anthropogenic landscapes at a
local scale. These results advocate for wisely combining methods, and will
guide conservation orientated land-use planning towards the protection of
natural habitats in the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve. This
methodological approach will enable managers and conservationists to use
data obtain from diverse protocols. This should catalyze the involvement
of citizens in biodiversity monitoring and conservation.