Methods for assessing the status of animal populations

Citation

White L & Edwards A (2000) Methods for assessing the status of animal populations. In: White L & Edwards A (eds.) Conservation research in the African rain forests: a technical handbook. New York, NY, USA: Wildlife Conservation Society, pp. 218-268. http://bioko.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/whiteedwards2000.pdf

Abstract
First paragraph: Conservationists working in the rain forests of central Africa (and to a lesser extent in east and west Africa) are generally dealing with large, remote, little known protected areas. Conditions of work and observation are difficult, and hence research and monitoring is relatively expensive. The most efficient survey method for large areas of tropical rain forest is using line-transects (e.g., Barnes & Jensen, 1987; Buckland et al., 1993; Tutin & Fernandez, 1984), or the reconnaissance modification of line-transect sampling (Hall et al., 1998; Walsh & White, 1999). We want to identify major patterns of abundance, distribution and seasonal movements of key species, in relation to human presence and habitat; evaluate effectiveness of protection in forest parks; identify areas of conservation concern (e. g., zones of high human impact or faunal concentrations); and provide a basis for monitoring ecological changes and patterns of human use. This chapter will describe the use of the line-transect and other related methodologies for animal surveys and describe how to collect complementary information on vegetation and human sign that will help in interpretation of results. Our emphasis is on larger-bodied animals, since these groups are a preoccupation for many wildlife managers and researchers in African rain forests. However, the techniques described are equally appropriate for other taxonomic groups, such as frogs or butterflies. The chapter is divided into two main sections, first describing general surveys in little known areas and then presenting a number of methods of use for more detailed studies.