Abstract:
Existing monitoring programs may generate data unsuitable for strong inferences regarding wildlife community dynamics, and careful attention to objectives and methodology is needed. Pressure from hunting and other anthropogenic impacts remains high for West African wildlife, even within protected areas. Park patrol observations underrepresented Mole National Park’s mammal community, recording only two-thirds as many species as camera traps over a common sampling period. Long-term patrol data were also subject to considerable sampling variation that could make interpretation of wildlife trends unreliable: additional methods are suggested in which this locally based monitoring program may be improved.
