A Toolbox for Remotely Monitoring Large Carnivores in Sweden. In: The Roles of Remote Sensing in Nature Conservation

Five species of large carnivore are the main focus of interest in Sweden when it comes to the conservation of biological diversity, ecosystem completeness, and the traditional herding of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) by indigenous Sámi people. Successful work with the wolf (Canis lupus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), lynx (Lynx lynx), wolverine (Gulo gulo) and golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) necessitates good knowledge of their numbers, distribution and population dynamics as well as their effects on prey species and the reindeer herding economy. However, large carnivores are relatively few, elusive, wide ranging and secretive, and therefore notoriously hard to observe. Hence, collecting standardized data of sufficient quality and quantity is a challenge for both research and management. In this chapter, we describe how this challenge is being met in Sweden. We define remote sensing as observing and measuring from a distance, and different approaches for remote sensing of carnivores are used in Sweden. These include non-invasive methods such as DNA-sampling and snow tracking, partly invasive methods such as automatic cameras, and highly invasive methods such as tagging with biotelemetry sensors. Attitude surveys are used to monitor public opinions about carnivores and their management. We also present infrastructure solutions (Rovbase, UC-WRAM) for handling the wealth of data that are acquired through remote sensing of carnivores in Sweden.