The use of demographic data to monitor population trends of the Nubian Ibex, Capra nubiana in Jordan

Abstract

The population status of the IUCN vulnerable Nubian Ibex Capra nubiana is largely unknown in the Middle East because of difficulties conducting intensive surveys. We tested the utility of camera-trapping at permanent water sites to estimate demographics and population trend of the species in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan. We also studied the relationship between precipitation and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI on water site use by the Nubian Ibex, demographics, and population trend. The Nubian Ibex showed a mean annual productivity of 0.81 neonate/female and an adult female survival of 0.87 which is a lower survival rate than found in other ibex species. The mean potential annual rate of increase of this population (λ=1.14) was similar to those reported from other ibex species and indicated a viable population. The capture rate of camera traps (number of photographed animals/camera day) was found not to be a reliable index to monitor population trends because water site use was related to environmental conditions that could not be standardized or predicted a priori. Quantifying population demographic ratios using camera trapping allowed for monitoring the status of key population parameters and growth potential of Nubian Ibex populations in the Dana Reserve, and likely can be used to monitor population status and facilitate informed management of similar populations in the Middle East.