Keywords

Carnivore, Scat, Camera trap, Non-invasive Monitoring

Abstract

The 800-acre University of Central Florida Arboretum Natural Lands functions as a conservation area, recreational space, and research site, making it essential to understand the ecological community it supports. Traditional wildlife monitoring methods such as mark-recapture and blood sampling can be effective but may stress animals or disrupt natural behaviors. To minimize these impacts, this study used non-invasive techniques, specifically scat-based DNA analysis and camera trapping, to assess carnivore species' presence. Two ecologically similar sites within the Arboretum were selected. Suspected carnivore scat was collected twice weekly over two months using both structured and opportunistic sampling. DNA was extracted, amplified, and sequenced to identify species. Additionally, eight camera traps, four per site, were deployed along game and recreational trails to record wildlife activity over a two-month period. A total of 56 scat samples were analyzed, with a 51.8% successful identification rate, whereas three of the eight camera traps yielded usable data. Both potential prey and carnivorous mammals were detected, confirming active use of the Arboretum. These results demonstrate the value of non-invasive monitoring techniques and highlight the importance of understanding how wildlife utilizes managed landscapes influenced by conservation practices, human activity, and habitat management strategies.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Fitak, Robert

College

College of Sciences

Department

Department of Biology

Thesis Discipline

Biology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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