Estimating animal abundance and effort–precision relationship with camera trap distance sampling

Effective monitoring methods are needed for assessing the state of biodiversity and detecting population trends. The popularity camera trapping in wildlife surveys continues to increase as they able detect species remote difficult-to-access areas. As a result, several statistical estimators abundance unmarked animal populations have been developed, but none widely tested. Even where potential accurate estimation has demonstrated, whether these can yield estimates sufficient precision trends inform conservation action remains questionable. Here, we assess effort–precision relationship trap distance sampling (CTDS) order help researchers design efficient surveys. A total 200 cameras were deployed 10 months across km2 Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire. We estimated Maxwell's duikers, western chimpanzees, leopards, forest elephants that challenging enumerate due rarity or semi-arboreality. To test effects spatial temporal survey effort on CTDS estimates, calculated coefficient variation (CV) encounter rate from subsets our complete data sets. Estimated leopard duiker density (20% < CV 30% = 11%, respectively) similar prior same area. Abundances chimpanzees 30%) underestimated, quality inference was reported after labor-intensive line transect nests. Estimates rare potentially unreliable since too imprecise (60% 200%). Generalized linear models coefficients indicated relatively common, ground-dwelling species, CVs between 10% 20% achievable variety designs, including long-term (6+ months) at few locations (50), short term (2-week 2-month) 100–150 locations. conclude efficiently provide multiple decisions. However, rarest will be even ambitious may biased exhibit strong reactions cameras.