Impacts of recreational activities on an assemblage of large carnivores within a temperate forest ecosystem protected area

Impacts of recreational activities on an assemblage of large carnivores within a temperate forest ecosystem protected area

Sooke Hills Wilderness Park exists as one of the largest parks in the Capitol Regional District of Southern Vancouver Island, providing a vital buffer to the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area and supporting a diverse community of wildlife. The Sooke Hills are designated as a Regional Wilderness Area, characterized by large land area, prioritization of the conservation of ecosystems with minimal human interference, while offering opportunities for visitors to experience park ecosystems firsthand. The SHWP is intersected by an extensive and expanding trail network. In 2019 an array of 50 camera traps was established to investigate the effects of recreational activities on wildlife behaviour and distributions.