Estimating the Abundance of Widely Distributed Primates

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Primatology

Background:

• Monitoring widely distributed animals faces logistical challenges and often lacks funding.
• Conservation concern for widely distributed primates is increasing, necessitating abundance estimates for evidence-based management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review methods for estimating abundance in widely distributed animals.
• To explore and critique the methods used for estimating the abundance of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis).
• To propose improvements for obtaining reliable abundance estimates.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of abundance estimation techniques for animals.
• In-depth analysis of a specific case study on long-tailed macaque abundance estimation.
• Identification of methodological weaknesses in existing studies.

Main Results:

• Existing abundance estimation methods for widespread animals are reviewed.
• Significant weaknesses were identified in the sole attempt to estimate long-tailed macaque abundance.
• A path towards obtaining reliable abundance estimates is proposed.

Conclusions:

• Reliable abundance estimates are crucial for the conservation of widely distributed primates.
• Current methods for estimating long-tailed macaque abundance are insufficient.
• Further research is needed to refine methodologies for accurate primate population monitoring.