Abstract ID: 3.12261 | Accepted as Poster | Poster | TBA | TBA

Small mustelids are increasingly recognized as species in need of conservation attention. Although several techniques have been employed to study these elusive animals, few studies have compared different methods. Moreover, only three studies have focused on least weasels (Mustela nivalis) and stoats (Mustela erminea) in the Italian Alps over the past three decades. To determine the most effective method for studying and monitoring small mustelid populations in the Alps, we compared two camera-based monitoring methods in the Western Italian Alps. Between June and October 2023, we surveyed 36 grid cells (700 x 700 m) within an Alpine valley in the Maritime Alps Natural Park (NW Italy) over three separate 45-day sessions. In each cell, we used two different methods: 1) the “Alpine Mostela”, a foldable PVC box housing a camera trap and a PVC 9 cm Ø tube, and 2) a trail camera positioned around 30 cm above the ground. Devices were placed at least 150 m apart, with salmon oil as bait in half of the cells. To compare the effectiveness of these methods, we used a single-season Bayesian occupancy model. Our results revealed a higher detection probability for stoats with unbaited Mostelas and baited external cameras. The highest occupancy probability was observed in the second season and non-forested habitats. Bait use increased the number of non-target videos. Overall, both unbaited Mostelas and baited external cameras proved reliable tools for detecting stoats in the Alpine environment. However, due to the slightly better performance of the Mostela with fewer non-target videos, it emerged as the preferred choice for long-term stoat monitoring in the Alps.