Distributional analysis with line transect methodology of the distance sampling techniques: Case of large mammals of the Mole National Park (MNP) of Ghana

Distance sampling with line transect method has been applied by many researchers to monitor and observe varied animals and plants with the aim to estimating population density and/or abundance. The detection and detectabilities of plants and animals with line transect methodology appear to be described as seen in the application software DISTANCE by some four specific models or mathematical functions. This study has established the need for an expansion of the functional space of the application software of the distance sampling with line transect application to cater for differences in species with different biological characteristics, and revealed that the detection of plants and animals of all species of different kinds can be described differently with distinct functions, as differences in biological characteristics of different species can be manifested in their detections and detectabilities. Key words: DISTANCE, distance sampling, detectability, line transect method, Mole National Park (MNP).