Comparing density estimates from a short-term camera trap survey with a long-term telemetry study of giant armadillos (Priodontes maximus)

"Population density is a key parameter in conservation, but remains a challenging metric to obtain for rare and cryptic species. We designed a camera trap array targeting the elusive giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus), estimated densities using spatially explicit capture-recapture models, and compared these with estimates from a previous eight-year telemetry study in the area. Density from the six-month camera trap survey (7.69 individuals/100km2) is nearly identical to that from the intensive telemetry study (7.65 ind./100 km2). We recommend the use of systematic camera trap arrays, which are much less expensive and time consuming, to obtain insights on the population status of elusive species across the Neotropics and inform conservation."