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College & University Workshops

Workshop Overview

Explore the techniques of animal tracking and observation. Apply the field techniques and data collection protocols used in wildlife connectivity studies to assist in the preservation, protection and restoration of native species and ecosystems.

  1. Examine the scientific principles and technology used in landscape ecology and ecosystem (adaptive) management for monitoring and improving habitat connectivity for wildlife.
  2. Practice the techniques and protocols utilized in wildlife surveys including:
    1. Groundtruthing techniques: wildlife surveys
    2. Wildlife survey data and connectivity
  3. Apply these concepts and techniques to local connectivity case studies to develop and implement community-based collaborative efforts to preserve, protect and restore native species and ecosystems. Understand the key stakeholders in corridor ecology including the public, government, agriculture and industry.

Expanded Description: Content and Objectives

  1. Practice the techniques utilized in wildlife surveys and tracking.
    1. Ground-truthing techniques including animal track identification, identification of animal sign including; scat, game trails, dens, burrows, nests, predator kills, and habitat assessment.
    2. Use of track plate and bait/ scent station set ups.
    3. Twenty-four hour observation and data capture via field cameras.
    4. Spotlighting surveys.
    5. DNA and genetic data collection techniques, example hair snares.
  2. Practice data collection protocols used in wildlife connectivity studies:
    1. Data sets to be collected include:
      1. Species identification and Activity patterns
      2. Habitat utilization and Home range area
    2. Wildlife-Urban interface
      1. Habitat and Infrastructure use
      2. Road kill data
      3. Urban encroachment
  3. Examine the data collection equipment used in wildlife connectivity studies:
    1. Tracking plates and Scent posts
    2. Digital camera equipment
      1. Infrared camera technology and Digital camera and video equipment
    3. Global positioning systems (GPS) & GIS software
  4. Examine the scientific principles of landscape ecology and ecosystem (adaptive) management including:
    1. Umbrella or focal species
    2. Habitat use by focal species
    3. Species ability to travel and movement patterns
    4. Biodiversity and relative abundance of animals in populations
    5. Metapopulation theory
      1. Juvenile dispersal
      2. Local Extinction patterns

Connectivity for Wildlife’s goal is to provide scientifically robust data to enhance or restore previously disconnected wildlife habitats. Habitat linkages can by identified for multiple species using field camera stations and formal wildlife tracking methods. The degree of habitat fragmentation can be assessed through monitoring animal use of highway and railroad infrastructures, urbanization and other man made structures, which can disconnected wildlife habitats. The permeability of a landscape for wildlife movement through it can also be assessed by recording wildlife movement patterns within the area.

By working with local partners such as land trusts, colleges and universities, and the Department of Transportation landscapes can be conserved and enhanced to facilitate wildlife movement by; identifying areas wildlife are moving through, barriers to wildlife movement, and fencing to guide animals to road underpasses and culverts, in which they can safely travel under roads. CFW combines field camera technology with on site ground truthing to produce robust data collections, databases, analyses, and maps.