INVESTIGATING RACCOON ABUNDANCE AND HOME RANGE: IMPLICATIONS FOR REINTRODUCING THE CALIFORNIA RED-LEGGED FROG IN YOSEMITE VALLEY

Esther Kukielka; ekukielka@ucdavis.edu; Katie Patrick, Binta Wold, Rachel Mazur, Beatriz Martinez-Lopez

Information regarding the population of northern raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Yosemite National Park is limited. Close human-raccoon interactions have been reported in Yosemite Valley, raising concerns about transmission of zoonotic diseases such as baylisascariasis. Due to their dietary habits, raccoons may also effect efforts to reintroduce vulnerable species such as the federally listed as threatened California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) into the park. In collaboration with the National Park Services, this project aims to estimate the raccoon population, document home ranges, and determine the occurrence of the species in areas of importance for California red-legged frog conservation in Yosemite Valley. Mark-resight and global positioning system/very high frequency (GPS/VHF) collaring methods were used to achieve such aims. Preliminary results estimated a lower abundance of raccoons than expected as well as limited overlap of raccoon and California red-legged frog habitats. Final results will help assess whether it will be necessary to manage the raccoon population in Yosemite Valley.

Wildlife Health and Disease Ecology     Student Paper