PROTOCOL FOR THE MEDIUM-SIZE AND LARGE MAMMALS’ SAMPLE OF THE RAPELD SYSTEM THROUGH THE LINE TRANSECT METHOD

Abstract

Researchers have been using methods to monitor medium- and large-bodied mammals in natural environments, employing the line-transect method since the 1970s. This method involves recording species along predefined trails, where observers document animal sightings, noting information such as location, date, time, and the perpendicular distance of the animal from the trail, among other details. In this context, we propose a sampling protocol for medium- and large-bodied terrestrial and arboreal mammals using the line-transect method within the RAPELD trail system. The proposed protocol includes materials to be taken into the field, trail maintenance, data to be recorded for each species sighting, procedures for conducting censuses along the trails, method assumptions, sampling effort, data quality assessment, best practice recommendations, data management, and perspectives on the method’s application within the RAPELD system. This protocol not only supports monitoring the populations of medium- and large-bodied mammals but is also applicable to other vertebrate species, including medium- and large-bodied birds and reptiles, particularly in studies aimed at assessing anthropogenic impacts on the density of specific species.