Rapid assessment of orangutan density

In order to design effective conservation measures for the orangutan, accurate information on their distribution and densities are needed. Nest counts along line transects allow for fairly accurate assessment of orangutan density. However, large sample sizes are needed to obtain accurate estimations of the decay rate of nests, preventing a rapid estimate. Moreover, due to the structure of tropical forests, nest numbers above and near the trail are underestimated. In this study, a rapid assessment method for the estimation of orangutan density is developed, allowing for the estimation of density with a single survey. Procedures are provided for estimating a correction factor which adjusts for underestimating nest numbers near the transect trail. Furthermore, we provide a shortcut to rapidly assess nest decay rate without the need for consecutive surveys. Finally, recommendations are made for determining orangutan density using two different techniques. These techniques incorporate correction factors and a shortcut to accurately assess orangutan density with only one or two visits to an area. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.