Distance Sampling is a technique used by researchers to estimate the density of or abundance of biological populations. Line and point transect sampling are common methods used with Distance Sampling. Lines and points are surveyed in the field and distances to objects of interest recorded.

TCA's object of interest is the Tenkile, but because it is nearly impossible to observe in the field we have decided to locate the animals' scats or dung.

TCA's methods have involved cutting a base line on a ridge top (or mountain top) which is approximately one kilometer in length. Every 50 meters along this ridgeline a transect line is established. From the ridgeline transect lines are measured down the slope of the mountain and at every 15 meters a transect point is marked. These transect points are where the research teams search for Tenkile scats. Each of the seven Distance Sampling sites has been established via a compass, clinometer and Global Positioning System (GPS).

When scats/dung are found their distance from the transect point is recorded. This is then recorded onto a data sheet and the figures are inputted into the software DISTANCE which can then estimate the density of Tenkile. Scats/dung are collected and stored in ethanol and taken back to TCA's base in Lumi. Each Distance Sampling site has 150 points and it takes at least five days to survey each area.

TCA aims to establish additional research sites and conduct Distance Sampling on additional species to Tenkile.

TCA uses the books "Introduction to Distance Sampling" and "Advanced Distance Sampling" and the software "Distance 5.0" (all pictured below).