An introduction to sampling

Citation

White L & Edwards A (2000) An introduction to sampling. In: White L & Edwards A (eds.) Conservation research in the African rain forests: a technical handbook. New York, NY, USA: Wildlife Conservation Society, pp. 22-29. http://bioko.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/whiteedwards2000.pdf

Abstract
First paragraph: It is easy to ask the questions: "How many hornbills are in the Dja Reserve?" "How often do male mandrills fight?" "How many wild mango trees are found in mature secondary forest?" But in most cases the exact answers can not be known. Instead the answers are estimated, as accurately as possible, using sampling methods. To sample something means to count the number of animals, plants, people, things or events that are observed while following a predetermined sampling methodology. If this methodology is well designed (see below) then the small number of animals, plants etc. counted will provide an accurate estimate of all the animals or plants that exist in the study area. The key to obtaining estimates you can trust is to start by developing a robust sampling design that may be unique for each new study. All the methods described in this manual are sampling methods.