| Short description of the practice |
A calibration model combining mark-resight and field counts estimates roe deer densities at local to regional scales for management and research. |
| Keywords |
roe deer, density estimation, calibration model, mark-resight, population monitoring, Italy |
| Organisation in charge of the good practice |
ISPRA – Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Italy |
| Implementation level of the practice |
Level: Regional/National Country: Italy Region: Emilia-Romagna (Apennines, Tredozio area) City: Ozzano dell’Emilia |
| Website |
https://doi.org/10.2981/09-024?utm_source=chatgpt.com |
| Detailed information on the practice |
Estimating wildlife population density is challenging, especially for open populations. Traditional methods assume closure, which is rarely valid. This study developed a calibration model using eight years (1996–2003) of roe deer monitoring in central Italy. Radio-marked deer provided reference densities through mark-resight methods. These were related to functions of animal counts and field surface areas to build predictive estimators. The model allowed density estimation even in zones without radio-marked individuals. Key steps: (1) mark-resight estimates for reference densities; (2) regression models linking counts and areas; (3) selection of best linear combinations; (4) cross-validation across years and subareas. Results show the approach is effective at estimating local density (≈ home-range scale) and can be extended to larger scales. Stakeholders: ISPRA, Regione Emilia Romagna, Provincia di Forlì-Cesena, Federazione Italiana della Caccia. Beneficiaries: wildlife managers, hunters, conservation researchers, and regional planning authorities. |
| Timeframe |
Data collected 1996–2003. Methodology can be used in ongoing monitoring with calibration phases every few years. |
| Approximate cost |
Not detailed. Requires investment in radio-marking deer (capture, collars, tracking) and statistical analysis. Costs partly covered by Regione Emilia Romagna and local hunting federations. |
| Results achieved |
Reliable density estimates at small, medium, and large scales. Precision errors <20% at most scales. Cross-validation showed consistent results across years and subareas. Demonstrated feasibility of extending local estimates to wider areas. |
| Potential for learning or transfer |
The method illustrates how combining radio-telemetry and simple counts provides robust density estimates. Transferable to other ungulate populations and fragmented landscapes. Can improve quota setting, reduce interannual variation in game management, and support biodiversity studies. Requires initial calibration but allows later application with lower costs. |
| Additional material |
Full article: Iannuzzo, D., Focardi, S., Raganella-Pelliccioni, E., & Toso, S. (2010). A method to estimate roe deer Capreolus capreolus density at various spatial scales in a fragmented landscape. Wildlife Biology 16(3): 283–291. |
| Contact person |
Name: Stefano Focardi Affiliation: ISPRA – Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale Email: stefano.focardi@isprambiente.it |
