The critically endangered Cross River gorilla inhabits a region of high  biodiversity on the border of Nigeria and Cameroon but has been poorly  studied due the rugged terrain they inhabit, their cryptic behaviour and  low population densities. We used scat detecting dogs to find gorilla  feces for genetic analyses at two sites in Cameroon and compared the effectiveness of dog- andhuman-directed searches. Dog-directed surveys  resulted in more reliable population estimates. To realize the full  potential of dog-directed surveys and increase cost-effectiveness,  dog-detection teams should be based in the countries of operation and  the dog detection targets should be expanded.

Link to original publication: http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/2/2/140423