Assessing the feasibility of density estimation methodologies for African forest elephant at large spatial scales

Effective wildlife management requires information on population status and distribution. Survey methods that provide estimates of these parameters can vary greatly in effort required, area covered, precision estimates, cost. Trade-offs are because increasing coverage generally field incurs a higher We compare DNA- camera trap based-spatial capture-recapture approaches (DNA-SCR CT-SCR) to the widely-used, dung-based line transect distance sampling (LTDS) method assess their performance when applied three relatively large populations forest elephant Loxodonta cyclotis (>500 individuals), order evaluate feasibility for future use at national regional scales. Six nine surveys had coefficient variation below 20%; via DNA-SCR LTDS was comparable exceeded CT-SCR as applied; overall cost highest compared other two methods. designed new metric with which survey methods: an integrated index (IFI). This combines typical components: total level achieved, The IFI suggests equally acceptable terms combination components, either is suitable (national or regional) spatial scales density estimation. provides more precise but has double IFI, due high per km 2 . particular, given improvements highlighted this study, now being used scale Gabon. In conclusion, we recommend (SCR) methods, development, continue. Future findings should be compiled across studies ensure robust evolution option monitoring African its range inform strategies action conservation.