The use of camera trapping to study population status and ecology of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in the Dinaric MountainsFležar, Urša (Avtor) Krofel, Miha (Mentor) Aronsson, Malin (Komentor) camera trappingmonitoringpopulation statusdensityabundancereinforcementspatial capture-recaptureoccupancycitizen scienceEurasian lynxLynx lynxEuropean wildcatFelis silvestrisMonitoring is a fundamental component of wildlife conservation. Among available methods, camera trapping has become a key tool, enabling non-invasive data collection and robust estimation of population parameters, such as density and abundance. The population of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in the Dinaric Mountains was until recently severely inbred. A population reinforcement program thus launched in 2017 to prevent its extinction. This thesis documents the use of camera trapping to evaluate the demographic recovery of lynx in the Dinaric Mountains, and to assess its interactions with another protected felid, the sympatric European wildcat (Felis silvestris). Using transboundary datasets from Slovenia and Croatia and spatial capture-recapture (SCR) modelling we provide the first large-scale estimates of density and abundance of the Dinaric lynx population, and track its changes over a four-year period. Results demonstrate > 40% increase in density following the reinforcement, highlighting the effectiveness of this conservation intervention. At the same time, we show that heterogeneous camera-trap placement, particularly the inclusion of lynx scent-marking sites, can bias density estimates if not accounted for in the SCR models. We also demonstrate the value of collaborative monitoring involving hunters for improving data collection, social acceptance, and its management relevance. Finally, we show that Eurasian lynx and European wildcat co-occur and largely overlap their daily activity, however, the smaller felid avoids Eurasian lynx scent-marking sites. Thus, recovery of Eurasian lynx population can be compatible with the conservation of smaller sympatric carnivores. By integrating large-scale camera trapping, citizen science, and state-of-the-art modelling, this thesis establishes a comprehensive framework for an evaluation of conservation efforts and for long-term monitoring of Eurasian lynx in the region.[U. Fležar]20262026-09-27 07:15:09Doktorsko delo/naloga188738UDK: 599.742.734:591.52(234.422.1)(043.3)VisID: 292644COBISS_ID: 293170691sl