Camera trap inventory of wild mammals in the Hinda District, Republic of Congo

Abstract

AbstractMammals play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning; knowledge of their presence and distribution is important for conservation and development planning. In this study, camera traps were used to survey mammals in the Republic of Congo's Kouilou Department. After 985 trap nights 15 species were recorded. Notable records include the endangered white bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) and side striped jackal (Canis adustus). No evidence of primate activity was recorded. Species diversity comparisons highlighted the high conservation potential of Terra Firma forests. Savanna and grassland systems showed limited conservation potential due to low species detectability resulting from anthropogenic disturbance.