Assessing the effects of survey-inherent disturbance on primate detectability: Recommendations for line transect distance sampling

Survey-inherent disturbance significantly underestimates primate density, with recovery times varying by species. This study found that cutting transects during surveys led to reduced observations of both primate groups and individuals, affecting five species in Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Piliocolobus tholloni and Colobus angolenis resumed normal behavior within 24 hours, while Lophocebus aterrimus, Cercopithecus ascanius, and Cercopithecus wolfi required at least 10 days. The research used line transect distance sampling over 378 km of transects, highlighting the need to account for survey disturbance in future density estimates. Recommendations include evaluating habitat type, niche occupation, and hunting pressure to minimize bias.

Bessone, M., Kühl, H. S., Hohmann, G., Herbinger, I., N’Goran, K. P., Asanzi, P., Da Costa, P. B., Dérozier, V., Fotsing, D. B. E., Ikembelo, B. B., Iyomi, D. M., Iyatshi, B. I., Kafando, P., Kambere, A. M., Moundzoho, B. D., Musubaho, L. K., & Fruth, B. (2022). Assessing the effects of survey-inherent disturbance on primate detectability: Recommendations for line transect distance sampling. Primates, 64(1), 107–121. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10329-022-01039-4