A preliminary camera trapping study of mammals of Monti Lepini (Central Italy)

Abstract

We used 52 camera traps to survey mammal species in the Lepini Mountains (Lazio, Central Italy) during three trapping sessions. Thirteen mammal species have been recorded. Compared to data based on previous opportunistic observations (2000-2018), camera trapping has quickly increased knowledge about the distribution of species, especially for elusive ones. We modelled species and average community occupancy also considering habitat covariates in a hierarchical modelling framework. Occupancy at community level was positively impacted by woods and negatively impacted by open habitats, indicating that the ongoing reforestation of the area may favour mammal diversity. Open surfaces have a negative effect on the presence of Sciurus vulgaris, a species for which our study confirms extensive recolonization of the area. We have also shown that woods increase the probability of occupation by Canis lupus and Felis silvestris, confirming that these species could be negatively impacted by increased deforestation.