Use of a spatially explicit capture-recapture model to estimate population density of the Japanese dormouse Glirulus japonicus in Nagano Prefecture, Central Japan

Abstract

We used a spatially explicit capture-recapture model to estimate the population density of the Japanese dormouse Glirulus japonicus in Nagano Prefecture, Central Japan. From May to October 2014, resting G. japonicus were captured from nest boxes (n = 297) installed in the region, and individually identified. Of the 37 males captured, 5 were recaptured individuals; while 10 of the 34 captured females were recaptured. The population density estimates for the dormouse were 1.93 ± 0.35 individuals/ha (mean ± SD) overall, 0.65 ± 0.25 individuals/ha for males and 3.32 ± 1.27 individuals/ha for females. The female population density estimate was extremely greater than the male population density. The home range sizes of the dormouse were 3.42 ha in total, 3.96 ha for males and 0.98 ha for females. The estimates from the present study should not be generalized; however, after obtaining the population density estimates for the Japanese dormouse in other areas, comparisons between areas would be informative.