Estimating population parameters for the Critically Endangered Bermuda skink using robust design capture–mark–recapture modelling

Reliably estimating population parameters for highly secretive or rare animals is challenging. We report on the status of the two largest remaining populations of the Critically Endangered Bermuda skink Plestiodon longirostris, using a robust design capture–mark–recapture analysis. Skinks were tagge...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Oryx 2021-01, Vol.55 (1), p.81-88
Main Authors: Turner, Helena, Griffiths, Richard A., Outerbridge, Mark E., Garcia, Gerardo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abundance
Anthropogenic factors
Capture-recapture studies
Emigration
Endangered & extinct species
Endangered species
Estimation
Habitat loss
Introduced species
Invasive species
Islands
Mathematical models
Parameter estimation
Population
Population statistics
Probability
Rain
Robustness
Species assessments
Transponders
Trends
Weather
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Summary:Reliably estimating population parameters for highly secretive or rare animals is challenging. We report on the status of the two largest remaining populations of the Critically Endangered Bermuda skink Plestiodon longirostris, using a robust design capture–mark–recapture analysis. Skinks were tagged with passive integrated transponders on two islands and captured on 15 sampling occasions per year over 3 years. The models provided precise estimates of abundance, capture and survival probabilities and temporary emigration. We estimated skink abundance to be 547 ± SE 63.5 on Southampton Island and 277 ± SE 28.4 on Castle Island. The populations do not appear to be stable and fluctuated at both sites over the 3-year period. Although the populations on these two islands appear viable, the Bermuda skink faces population fluctuations and remains threatened by increasing anthropogenic activities, invasive species and habitat loss. We recommend these two populations for continued monitoring and conservation efforts.
ISSN:0030-6053
1365-3008
DOI:10.1017/S0030605318001485