Drawn out of the shadows: Surveying secretive forest species with camera trap distance sampling

A groundbreaking study demonstrates the effectiveness of camera trap distance sampling (CTDS) for estimating population densities and abundances of diverse vertebrate species in Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The research, involving 160 camera traps across 743 locations covering 17,127 km² of evergreen lowland rainforest, successfully recorded 43 animal taxa, including secretive species like the Congo peafowl and giant ground pangolin. The study found that CTDS provides reliable estimates for homogenously distributed species, with minor differences between two availability estimation methods (ACa and ARo) when sample sizes were large. However, low detectability and reactivity to cameras posed challenges. This methodology offers a rapid tool for assessing species' status and trends, potentially influencing conservation strategies and IUCN Red List assessments.

Bessone, M., Kühl, H. S., Hohmann, G., Herbinger, I., N’Goran, K. P., Asanzi, P., Da Costa, P. B., Dérozier, V., Fotsing, E. D. B., Beka, B. I., Iyomi, M. D., Iyatshi, I. B., Kafando, P., Kambere, M. A., Moundzoho, D. B., Wanzalire, M. L. K., & Fruth, B. (2020). Drawn out of the shadows: Surveying secretive forest species with camera trap distance sampling. Journal of Applied Ecology, 57(5), 963–974. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13602