Assessing survey techniques for eastern spotted skunks: camera traps, detection dogs, and scent lures

Abstract

Eastern spotted skunks ( Spilogale putorius ) have experienced a range‐wide decline since the 1940s and are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List. To address research priorities for the species, effective monitoring methods are crucial. In this study, we used traditional tree‐mounted camera traps and 2 novel detection methods for spotted skunks: enclosed camera traps and a detection dog. We also tested 2 previously untried scent lures to attract spotted skunks: weasel gland paste and rabbit urine. Camera surveys were conducted at 16 sites and detection dog surveys were conducted at 20 sites (21 total sites) in the Ocala National Forest in Marion County, Florida, USA, between October 2020 and October 2022. We detected spotted skunks at 5 sites during camera surveys and 2 sites during detection dog surveys. No significant difference in detection probability was observed between tree‐mounted and enclosed cameras or between camera surveys and detection dog surveys. Detection probability was low for all survey methods (min–max = 0.20–0.22), but similar probabilities indicated that the methods could be used interchangeably to best fit a particular site or study design. However, there were notable differences between lures; weasel paste and rabbit urine had a similar initial detection probability, but detection probability for weasel paste declined quickly after application, while detection probability for rabbit urine remained relatively stable throughout the survey period. In general, detection probability decreased over time after camera setup and during summer months. We provide recommendations for spotted skunk surveys, including how a combination of methods can be used for a more comprehensive approach to detecting the species.