Use of Camera Traps, Call-in, and AI in Capture-recapture for Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) Populations in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) populations have been gradually increasing in both abundance and distribution throughout the African continent. Accurately estimating population sizes for this large carnivore can help to inform management decisions. Current methods for estimating population size for large carnivores can be inaccurate, inconsistent, and time and labor intensive. Our team set out to optimize population estimation protocol by combining baited call-in surveys, camera trapping, and AI to assist in mark-recapture analysis. This study took place in Kruger National Park, South Africa. We identified 16 hyenas were on the first night and nine on the second night, with an overlap of six hyenas appearing on both nights. Using the Lincoln-Peterson Index Method formula for mark recapture, the estimated was 24 individuals. Through this study, we have developed a more efficient method for estimating hyena population sizes and have gained insight on how to further refine the methods used.

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