Comparison of species richness and detection between line transects, ground camera traps, and arboreal camera traps

A combination of ground and arboreal camera traps proved to be the most effective methodology for monitoring mammalian species richness and detection probabilities, particularly in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. This approach outperformed traditional line transects and ground camera traps alone, offering higher precision in occupancy and detection estimates. The study found that while the effectiveness varied among diurnal primate species, arboreal camera traps did not show significant differences in detection based on their height in trees. These findings suggest that integrating all three methods maximizes species detection, though combining arboreal and ground cameras is optimal when only two methods can be deployed. This research highlights the potential of arboreal camera traps to enhance future species monitoring programs.

Moore, J. F., Pine, W. E., Mulindahabi, F., Niyigaba, P., Gatorano, G., Masozera, M. K., & Beaudrot, L. (2020). Comparison of species richness and detection between line transects, ground camera traps, and arboreal camera traps. Animal Conservation, 23(5), 561–572. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/acv.12569