Uncovering Cryptic Diversity: Camera Trap Insights Into the Effects of Seasonality and Anthropogenic Presence in a Mosaic Savannah Ecosystem

Developing comprehensive mammal inventories in protected areas with human presence is essential for effective biodiversity conservation yet remains challenging, particularly for elusive species. Camera trapping has emerged as a valuable tool for documenting mammal diversity, complementary to or as an alternative to traditional direct observation methods. We studied the Dindefelo Community Nature Reserve (Senegal), encompassing a mosaic of vegetation types with a climate characterised by marked seasonality. The local human population depends on its natural resources for subsistence, and livestock roam freely throughout the reserve. Using camera traps, we conducted a 2-year monitoring program across 29 sampling locations, accumulating 3072 trapping days (approximately 60,000 h of observation). We evaluated how vegetation types, seasonality and anthropogenic factors influenced mammal species richness and vegetation type use. We confirmed the presence of 28 medium- and large-sized mammal species. Mammal species richness varied subtly with vegetation types and seasons but no pronounced differences emerged. Human presence within the reserve had limited negative impacts on mammal species richness. Interestingly, livestock presence, exhibited a positive association with wild mammal diversity, suggesting shared resource use or similar environmental preferences. These results highlight complex interactions between wildlife and human activities. They also emphasise the importance of ongoing monitoring to detect additional rare or elusive species, improving conservation strategies in protected savannahs of western Africa where wildlife and human communities coexist.