The Large Mammal Monitoring Program began to take form in 2007, and has been consistently running since 2012. The program aims to estimate community composition and species richness in the area and evaluate habitat associations of resident species. The impact of anthropogenic changes in the community, including increased tourism, is also analyzed. By developing and maintaining a long-term dataset on the presence and abundance of local mammals, we are better equipped to understand changes to the population, potential threats, and possible solutions.  

Three forest transects were established across the survey area, each of which includes unique ecosystem services/environments for local mammals. This allows us to survey across a diversity of systems that may support different species. Each transect is surveyed once weekly to record evidence of mammals. Evidence includes not only direct sightings, but tracks, trails, feces, foraging evidence, and nests. By alternating between morning and evening surveys, surveys take place when we are most likely to encounter individuals.