Coiban Agouti (Dasyprocta coibae) Density and Temporal Activity on Coiba Island, Veraguas, Panama

Research reveals that the Coiban agouti (Dasyprocta coibae), a vulnerable rodent endemic to Coiba Island, Panama, exhibits a population density of 73.3 individuals per square kilometer, positively correlated with primary forest cover. Camera trap surveys detected 2114 instances, indicating higher activity on government-maintained trails and during daylight hours (06:00–19:00), particularly in late May to early June. The study suggests that Coiba Island's habitat may be limiting for agoutis due to lower predation risk compared to related species in Central America. These findings underscore the effectiveness of camera traps for future population monitoring, providing critical data to guide conservation efforts and reassess the species' vulnerable status.

Duquette, J. F., Ureña, L., Ortega, J., Cisneros, I., Moreno, R., & Flores, E. E. (2017). Coiban Agouti (Dasyprocta coibae) Density and Temporal Activity on Coiba Island, Veraguas, Panama. Mammal Study, 42(3), 153–160. https://doi.org/10.3106/041.042.0305