Use of Multi-Layer Camera Trapping to Inventory Mammals in Rainforests in Southeast Cameroon

Abstract

Species richness is a basic metric for ecological study and wildlife management. However, complete mammal species lists are often unavailable for African rainforest areas. We conducted a multi-layer camera trap survey wherein arboreal and terrestrial cameras were concurrently deployed to inventory mammals in the rainforests in and around Boumba-Bek and Nki National Parks in southeast Cameroon. We deployed 88 terrestrial and 150 arboreal cameras with the aid of Baka assistants. From a total of 2, 901 terrestrial and 5, 404 arboreal camera-days, we obtained 7, 359 terrestrial and 4, 433 arboreal mammal video records and recorded 40 species and one genus-level taxon (Galagoides spp.). Among these, 4 were observations of nocturnal arboreal mammals that had not previously been documented in the study area. Arboreal cameras captured all but 1 of the arboreal species previously recorded in the study area. In contrast, terrestrial cameras failed to capture 4 previously observed species. Our survey captured more primate and carnivore species than any previous study in the area, demonstrating the efficacy of this approach for inventorying mammals in African rainforests.