Abundance estimation of plains zebras via search–encounter sampling

Spatial capture–recapture (SCR) using search–encounter methods estimate population abundance from encounters of individually recognisable animals along an a priori-designated search path. We applied search–encounter SCR methods and photographic sampling to estimate the abundance of plains zebras (Equus quagga) at Telperion and Ezemvelo nature reserves, South Africa. We analysed encounter data by comparing four hazard-function models for the detection process. The abundance estimate under three models was just above 1000 animals (95% credible intervals c. 960, 1220) versus 811 (719, 917) for the remaining model. The former estimates were broadly similar to aerial counts conducted around the same time. Standard deviation in locations around individual activity centres ( $$\sigma _{move}$$σ move ) was c. 0.8 km, with little difference between models. In situations where structured surveys are not possible, the approach presented here has the potential to estimate abundance from opportunistic animal encounters (e.g. generated via citizen science schemes) within an SCR framework.