Survey Methods for UK Woodland Mammals

[njr304]

Various approaches may be taken to study wildlife populations in the UK, and woodland mammals are no exception. Traditionally, mammals such as foxes, badgers and otters, are studied by recording the tracks and signs they leave behind, and particularly for those species which are more active during the day, we try to spot them whilst walking along transect lines. Today, camera traps offer an alternative approach, which automatically take photographs when they detect an animal passing in front of the camera.

It is important to review current survey methods to ensure that resources are being used most efficiently and that data is as accurate as possible. Field tests are currently being conducted in Cumbria, investigating the efficiency and success of both methods, to evaluate if either is more efficient than the other.

If you have ever conducted transects and/or used camera traps to study mammals (excluding small mammals, bats and marine species), I would appreciate it if you would kindly support my undergraduate dissertation project by participating in a short questionnaire, which aims to investigate experience and attitudes towards these survey methods, as well as what the future holds for mammal surveying in the UK. The questionnaire can be found online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/surveymethods and will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.

If you are able to complete and/or disseminate this questionnaire to colleagues and contacts involved in mammal surveying (excluding small mammals, bats and marine species), I would greatly appreciate your support.

I believe by maximising participation, the results may be more representative of the views of UK mammal surveyors, thereby increasing the validity of conclusions and providing greater power for recommendations.

If you have any questions about my project or encounter any problems with the questionnaire, please do not hesitate to contact me: Nathan.Roberts@Cumbria.ac.uk or visit Nathan ROBERTS :: Blog. Thank you.

Nathan Roberts
BSc. (Hons) Animal Conservation Science Student (Year 3)
Centre for Wildlife Conservation
University of Cumbria

[njr304]

*Deadline extended to 31 March 2010: Survey Methods for UK Mammals - Review Questionnaire

[Dogghound]

Hi Nathan I have completed the survey. Very interesting

[njr304]

Hi.

Thanks for your support! The results of the questionnaire are planned to appear as a survey report on The Mammal Society website once all data has been collected and analysed, so be sure to check that out.

Thanks again!

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by njr304

Hi.

Thanks for your support! The results of the questionnaire are planned to appear as a survey report on The Mammal Society website once all data has been collected and analysed, so be sure to check that out.

Thanks again!

Not problem.

I will indeed, i often read publications by the mammal society.

[njr304]

Hi all.

Just a reminder that the questionnaire is still online, and your participation in this short survey will provide great power for recommendations on the future of mammal surveying in the UK.

To be part of this project, please see the 'Current Surveys' page of The Mammal Society website (mammal.org.uk) or click the following text for a direct link: Survey Methods for UK Mammals - Review Questionnaire

Thank you.

[njr304]

Hi.

A final request for all mammal surveyors in the UK - the deadline is fast approaching. Whether employee, volunteer or supporter of wildlife research, if you have ever surveyed foxes, badgers, deer, otters or other terrestrial mammal species (excluding small mammals), please take 15-20 minutes to participate in a short questionnaire, and have your say on survey methods of the past, present and future.

To be part of this study, please see the 'Current Surveys' page of The Mammal Society website (mammal.org.uk) or click the following text for a direct link: Survey Methods for UK Mammals - Review Questionnaire

Please send any questions to Nathan.Roberts@Cumbria.ac.uk or visit Nathan ROBERTS :: Blog for project details.

Thanks for your help!

Nathan Roberts
Centre for Wildlife Conservation
University of Cumbria

[njr304]

Just a note to inform you that the study has now been published and the full results can be viewed at: Investigation into survey techniques of large mammals: surveyor competence and camera-trapping vs. transect-sampling

I welcome any questions or comments.

Thanks.