The shortcomings of short‐term biodiversity studies in assessing mammalian diversity, a case study in the Niari Province, Republic of Congo

A snapshot camera trap assessment of mammals in Congo’s Massif du Chaillu with a noteworthy record of grey‐necked rockfowl Picathartes oreas

“…The tally of 16 mammals and the detection rate of 26.6 detections per 100 TN are higher than the 11 species and detection rate of 6.7 detections per 100 TN established for the Mayoko village area (between 10 and 24 km north) (Melville & Gaugris, 2019) in September 2012 (8 cameras, 164 TN). The difference may be related to a combination of factors including deployment period, equipment and human influence close to the Mayoko village.…”

“…F I G U R E 1 Camera trap sites locations in the study area for the Tsinguidi offset study area, Republic of Congo, 2013. The location of the study area sampled by Melville and Gaugris (2019) Although the camera deployment exceeds 400-500 TN required to detect common species (Ancrenaz et al, 2012), it, however, falls just short of the 1,000 TN benchmark for detection of elusive species (Bruce et al, 2018;Tobler et al, 2008). The deployment is, however, considered adequate to gain an overview of common mammal species during the season of sampling and exceeded that for the nearby Mayoko village area (Melville & Gaugris, 2019), which helps to establish the broad spectrum of species that underpin ecosystem services for IFC PS6 compliance, although rare, critical habitat trigger species may be missed.…”

“…It is believed to have played an important role in speciation and, due to the high levels of endemism, relatively high mammal densities and timber stand richness (Devers & Vande Weghe, 2006), it continues to be vital for the maintenance of species diversity. Ecological data for the region are sparse, with most available information originating from Gabon (Gautam and Pietsch, 2012; Melville & Gaugris, 2019). Biodiversity in this region was ignored until the 1990 s when there was an upswing in the timber market and more latterly (c.a.…”

“…Biodiversity in this region was ignored until the 1990 s when there was an upswing in the timber market and more latterly (c.a. 2000) increased exploitation of the mineral wealth of the area (Megevand et al, 2013; Melville & Gaugris, 2019). Consequently, a raft of environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) has been implemented (IFC PS6, 2012).…”

“…Camera trap sites locations in the study area for the Tsinguidi offset study area, Republic of Congo, 2013. The location of the study area sampled by Melville and Gaugris (2019) in 2012 is provided for context and labelled Original 2012 Study Area. Vegetation descriptions follow Van Rooyen et al (2019) but were simplified for the map…”