| This study documents the use of remote camera technology to gain presence data for wild mammals of regional interest within Big Basin Redwood State Park, Santa Cruz County, California. Survey methods to monitor species range shifts at bioregional, landscape, and community scales are of great value to regions likely to experience resource variation, e.g., climate change. Between April 2005 and 2006, animal sign and cameras placed at randomly selected locations along ridgeline, intermediate, and valley-floor trails collected wildlife data. Findings revealed four groups of interspecies associations: (Skunk-Bobcat), (Deer-Coyote-Mountain Lion), (Raccoon-Bobcat-Coyote), and (Skunk-Raccoon-Coyote). Two species groups (Bobcat-Coyote-Mountain Lion-Skunk and Bobcat-Deer) were correlated with physical conditions (elevation-slope and aspect). This study indicates that these techniques are viable methods for monitoring wild mammals and trail activity as associated with geomorphic conditions. Future research should apply these data and geographic assessments to begin long-term monitoring of bioregional resource distributions for local planning needs. |
