Combining non-invasive methods for the rapid assessment of mammalian richness in a transect-quadrat survey scheme - Case Study of the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, North Lebanon

Abstract

Lebanon lacks updated information related to the status of mammalian species, their richness and distribution. This study aimed at developing a rapid assessment methodology combining three non-invasive techniques based on the transect-quadrat survey scheme to measure mammalian richness at the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve. The achieved results showed that the combination of the three techniques, droppings, footprints and photo-trapping for the rapid assessment of mammalian richness supported by Geographical Information System applications is highly effective. Twenty visits covering twenty quadrats out of 49 over a period of nine months allowed the detection of 12 of the 14 targeted species with droppings providing the majority of evidence while footprints and photo-trapping being of equal efficiency. The method can be easily replicated in any region to rapidly assess mammalian richness and the area of activity of the detected species and therefore directing conservation and management activities towards species of interest.