Comparative assessment of local ecological knowledge and line‐transect surveys for assessing species occupancy

Abstract The Amazon is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, which faces significant threats from deforestation. Effective biological monitoring is essential for conservation strategies, but remains challenging in Amazonian remote areas. This study explores the contributions of local ecological knowledge (LEK) to understanding habitat occupancy in the Central Amazon, comparing line‐transect surveys with structured interviews with local people. Sampling targeted 13 fluvial islands and five continuous forest sites, focusing on 10 taxa, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. Interviews provided higher detection ( p = 0.73) and occupancy (ψ = 0.70) probabilities compared to line‐transect ( p = 0.42, ψ = 0.52). The positive correlation between interviews and line‐transect occupancy estimates (0.69; p <.03) suggests the potential to complement traditional surveys with LEK‐based methods. The interviews provided insights into iconic species occupancy, including brown‐throated sloth ( Bradypus variegatus ) and jaguar ( Panthera onca ). The jaguar, brown‐throated sloth and red howler monkey ( Alouatta juara ) demonstrated the highest occupancy probabilities in line‐transects. Similarly, these species also showed the highest detection probabilities in interviews, while the red howler monkey exhibited the highest in line‐transects. We highlight the potential for complementing traditional surveys with LEK‐based approaches to attempt more comprehensive, rapid and cost‐effective biodiversity monitoring, while promoting collaboration with local communities, crucial for conservation efforts in the Amazon and similar remote ecosystems globally.