Table 3 Covariates tested for effects on animal detectability by camera traps, with their ranges and descriptions.
From: Human disturbance thresholds determine the ecological role of an apex predator
Covariate | Range of values | Description |
|---|---|---|
Cattle abundance | 0–1 | Average number of cattle detections per day, normalized |
Path type | < 1 m dirt path / > 1m dirt path / paved road / animal path | Type and width of path along which camera was installed |
Camera sensitivity | Long / normal / substitute model | Setting determining distance at which camera is triggered by motion |
Post-camera accessibility | Clear/fence/vegetation/rock | Physical accessibility for an animal to move behind the camera |
Fence bottlenecks | Yes/no | Could fencing funnel animals into camera range? |
Capture delay | 1/30/60 s | Minimum delay between consecutive camera triggers |
Vegetation structure | Open/canopy/ grassland / scrub | Type of vegetation cover at camera site |
Agricultural presence | Yes/no | Agricultural presence visible from camera location |
