Short recce transects or camera trap surveys—Short recce surveys highlighted as a useful supplement for rapid biodiversity assessments in the Republic of the Congo

Abstract

A rapid biodiversity assessment was conducted in the Republic of the Congo including a systematic biodiversity study (including a targeted study of mammals), implemented over two seasons. One hundred thirteen recce transects (250 m by 2 m) were undertaken over 34 days of fieldwork. A total of 19 species were detected (3 to genus level only). The encounter rate was 26.65 mammalian signs per km; no differences in numbers of signs between season appeared; however, the dry-season species accumulation pattern was higher than during wet season. Correlation analysis showed increasing density of mammals as distance away from villages, lakes and coast increased. The correlation result is deemed to highlight not only a substantial hunting pressure and avoidance of humans, but also preference for forested habitats noted to appear from 20 km distance from the coast. Using high numbers of relatively short recce transect proved a useful supplementary method for assessing mammalian diversity during rapid biodiversity assessments. Results suggest that 70 recce transects (with a minimum of eight per habitat type) would have been sufficient to yield this information.