Elliott traps found to be ineffective for the survey of swamp skink (Lissolepis coventryi): a cautionary tale of outdated survey guidelines

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
pp. 514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacinta E. Humphrey ◽  
Kylie A. Robert ◽  
Steve W. J. Leonard
Keyword(s):  
Cryptic Species ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Standard Technique ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Planning Decisions ◽  
Introduced Predators ◽  
Detection Probabilities ◽  
Infrared Cameras

Context Cryptic (i.e. secretive, elusive or well camouflaged) species are often very challenging to accurately survey. Because many cryptic species are threatened, the development of robust and efficient survey methods to detect them is critically important for conservation management. The swamp skink (Lissolepis coventryi) is an example of an elusive and threatened species; it inhabits densely vegetated, wet environments throughout south-east Australia. The swamp skink occurs in peri-urban areas and faces many human-induced threats including habitat loss, introduced predators and environmental pollution. Effective and reliable survey methods are therefore essential for its conservation. Aims This study aimed to review the current swamp skink survey guidelines to compare the detection success of Elliott traps with two alternative methods: passive infrared cameras (camera traps) and artificial refuges. Methods Detection probabilities for the swamp skink were compared using Elliott traps, artificial refuges and camera traps at two known populations on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. Key results Artificial refuges and camera traps were significantly more successful than Elliott traps at detecting swamp skinks. Conclusions Elliott traps are currently regarded as the standard technique for surveying swamp skinks; however, these traps were the least successful of the three methods trialled. Therefore, the use of Elliott traps in future swamp skink presence–absence surveys is not recommended. Implications Many previous surveys utilising Elliott traps have failed to detect swamp skinks in habitats where they are likely to occur. Our findings suggest that at least some of these past surveys may have reported false absences of swamp skinks, potentially resulting in poor planning decisions. A reduction in the reliance on Elliott trapping is likely to increase future swamp skink detection success, broaden our understanding of this cryptic species and aid conservation efforts. Our results emphasise that it is essential to regularly review recommended survey methods to ensure they are accurate and effective for target species.

scholarly journals Collecting family planning intentions and providing reproductive health information using a tablet-based video game in India

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Elena Bertozzi ◽  
Amelia Bertozzi-Villa ◽  
Praveen Kulkarni ◽  
Aparna Sridhar
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Accurate Data ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Planning Decisions ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Planning Methods ◽  
Game Environment

Background: In response to a Grand Challenges in Global Health call for action to collect data about family planning intentions and increase the uptake of family planning methods in India, our team designed, developed, and piloted the My Future Family video game in Karnataka Province. The game educates adolescents about human sexuality and reproduction while asking players when they would like to achieve five important family planning milestones.  Participants were also asked to report who influences them the most when making family planning decisions. Methods: Focus groups were conducted and the resulting data used to design the game which was iteratively tested and then piloted in 11 schools in rural and urban areas of southern India. Data was collected throughout gameplay and cross-checked with paper questionnaires.  Results: In August 2018, we successfully piloted the game with 382 adolescents and validated its efficacy both as an educational tool and as an innovative means of accurate data collection.  Conclusion: It has historically been problematic to gather accurate data about adolescents in India on this culturally sensitive topic for a variety of reasons. These include difficulties obtaining consent, developing appropriate survey methods, and framing questions in language that young people can understand. Our game met these challenges by working within a single school system with approval from senior administration, delivering information via a game environment, which freed players from societal constraints, and communicating information via images and audio in addition to text in both English and Kannada (the local language).

scholarly journals Collecting family planning intentions and providing reproductive health information using a tablet-based video game in India

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Bertozzi ◽  
Amelia Bertozzi-Villa ◽  
Praveen Kulkarni ◽  
Aparna Sridhar
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Accurate Data ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Planning Decisions ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Planning Methods ◽  
Game Environment

Background: In response to a Grand Challenges in Global Health call for action to collect data about family planning intentions and increase the uptake of family planning methods in India, our team designed, developed, and piloted the My Future Family video game in Karnataka Province. The game educates adolescents about human sexuality and reproduction while asking players when they would like to achieve five important family planning milestones.  Participants were also asked to report who influences them the most when making family planning decisions. Methods: Focus groups were conducted and the resulting data used to design the game which was iteratively tested and then piloted in 11 schools in rural and urban areas of southern India. Data was collected throughout gameplay and cross-checked with paper questionnaires.  Results: In August 2017, we successfully piloted the game with 382 adolescents and validated its efficacy both as an educational tool and as an innovative means of accurate data collection.  Conclusion: It has historically been problematic to gather accurate data about adolescents in India on this culturally sensitive topic for a variety of reasons. These include difficulties obtaining consent, developing appropriate survey methods, and framing questions in language that young people can understand. Our game met these challenges by working within a single school system with approval from senior administration, delivering information via a game environment which freed players from societal constraints, and communicating information via images and audio in addition to text in both English and Kannada (the local language).

Camera traps and pitfalls: an evaluation of two methods for surveying reptiles in a semiarid ecosystem

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
pp. 637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Richardson ◽  
Dale G. Nimmo ◽  
Sarah Avitabile ◽  
Lauren Tworkowski ◽  
Simon J. Watson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methods ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Pitfall Trapping ◽  
Additional Species ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
Trapping Methods ◽  
Infrared Cameras ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Passive Infrared

Context Passive infrared cameras have become a widely utilised method for surveying mammals, providing substantial benefits over conventional trapping methods. Cameras have only recently been tested for their ability to survey terrestrial reptiles, and have not yet been tested against other reptile survey methods for their comparative effectiveness. Aims To investigate the reliability of passive infrared cameras as a reptile survey method, compared with pitfall trapping. In addition, to test a refinement of a current protocol for using cameras to survey reptiles. Methods The study was carried out in the herpetologically diverse, semiarid Mallee region of Victoria, Australia. Paired camera and pitfall lines were set up at 10 sites within Murray Sunset National Park and results from the two methods were compared. A comparison of results from cameras with and without the use of a cork tile substrate was also made. Key results Cameras were just as effective as pitfall traps for detecting some common diurnal species – detecting additional species that pitfalls did not – but were significantly less effective overall. Cameras provided lower estimates of species richness and failed to detect nocturnal species. We also discovered that cork tiles, required in other environments for the cameras to be effective in detecting diurnal reptiles, were not needed here. Conclusions Cameras can be an effective, efficient non-invasive alternative to conventional trapping methods, such as pitfall trapping, for surveying some terrestrial diurnal reptile species. However, further investigation into using cameras for surveying nocturnal reptile species is still required. Implications If the methodological issues identified during this study can be overcome, passive infrared cameras have the potential to be a valuable tool for future herpetological research.

scholarly journals Estimating forest antelope population densities using distance sampling with camera traps

Oryx ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Rajan Amin ◽  
Hannah Klair ◽  
Tim Wacher ◽  
Constant Ndjassi ◽  
Andrew Fowler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methods ◽  
Distance Sampling ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Detection Probabilities ◽  
The Status

Abstract Traditional transect survey methods for forest antelopes often underestimate density for common species and do not provide sufficient data for rarer species. The use of camera trapping as a survey tool for medium and large terrestrial mammals has become increasingly common, especially in forest habitats. Here, we applied the distance sampling method to images generated from camera-trap surveys in Dja Faunal Reserve, Cameroon, and used an estimate of the proportion of time animals are active to correct for negative bias in the density estimates from the 24-hour camera-trap survey datasets. We also used multiple covariate distance sampling with body weight as a covariate to estimate detection probabilities and densities of rarer species. These methods provide an effective tool for monitoring the status of individual species or a community of forest antelope species, information urgently needed for conservation planning and action.

Chemical indicators of sediment chronology

1993 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 635 ◽  
Author(s):  
GW Kilby ◽  
GE Batley
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Sewage Treatment ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Chemical Components ◽  
Sedimentation Rates ◽  
Antifouling Paints ◽  
Chemical Indicators ◽  
Laboratory Facilities ◽  
Lead Zinc

The determination of recent sedimentation rates has traditionally used radiochemical dating techniques but, because of limited laboratory facilities and the costs of these techniques, alternative methods are desirable. Information on sedimentation rates and sediment history can be obtained from anthropogenic chemical components whose presence in sediments, especially near urban areas, can be used as markers to assess their chronology. More than one marker, with a known date of introduction, should be used. In this study, organosilicons first used in the early 1950s and tributyltin used in marine antifouling paints from 1972 were examined in sediments from Lake Macquarie, NSW, to supplement the known input of heavy metals from the lead-zinc smelter that has been operating at the northern end of the lake since 1897. The most reliable data were obtained at sites where all three markers were present, and use of these data allowed independent determination of the year of initial operation of a sewage treatment works.

scholarly journals IDENTIFIKASI SAMPAH LAUT DI PANTAI TONGKAINA DAN TALAWAAN BAJO

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asshidiq Djaguna ◽  
Wilmy E Pelle ◽  
Joshian NW Schaduw ◽  
Hermanto WK Manengkey ◽  
Natalie DC Rumampuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Survey Methodology ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Solid Material ◽  
Marine Debris ◽  
Coastal Environments ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Time Observation ◽  
Southeast Asian Countries ◽  
Selection Of

Marine debris is all material in the solids form that could not be found naturally (is a product of human activities) in the territorial waters (oceans, beaches) and could threat directly to the conditions and productivity of the territorial waters. Marine debris is defined by UNEP (2009) as solid material that is difficult to decompose, plant or processed results are discarded or left in marine and coastal environments. Marine debris consists of goods used by humans and deliberately disposed to the sea. Marine debris can be transported with ocean currents and winds from one place to another, even being able to travel long distances from the source. Common waste problems encountered in urban areas in Southeast Asian countries, as populations grew, followed by increased revenues potential garbage and various types of garbage produced. Marine debris classified as Meso and Macro trash with size > 5 mm to 1 m. Marine debris observation is carried out by modifying the method of coastline survey methods based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (2013). There are some important things to be prepared before doing the observation that was stranded in coastal areas such as the selection of observation locations, materials needed for observation and time observation. Based on the results of the research of marine debris samples obtained at the research site there are 2 characteristics of marine debris namely of macro flakes collected in twelve transect as much as 341 grains, while meso-debris contains as many as 94 goods. Also the debris with a category of micro-debris as many as 46 items with a total of 481 items and total weight total 1433.38 gr/m2.Keywords: Marine debris, Tongkaina, Talawaan Bajo Sampah laut atau marine debris adalah semua material berbentuk padatan yang tidak dijumpai secara alami (merupakan produk kegiatan manusia) di wilayah perairan (lautan, pantai) dan dapat memberikan ancaman secara langsung terhadap kondisi dan produktivitas wilayah perairan. Sampah laut, didefiniskan oleh UNEP (2009) sebagai bahan padat yang sulit terurai, hasil pabrik atau olahan yang dibuang atau dibiarkan di lingkungan laut dan pesisir. Sampah lautan dapat ditransport oleh arus laut dan angin dari satu tempat ke tempat lainnya, bahkan dapat menempuh jarak yang sangat jauh dari sumbernya. Permasalahan sampah umum dihadapi pada daerah perkotaan di negara Asia Tenggara, seiring meningkatnya jumlah penduduk, diikuti peningkatan pendapatan, sehingga mengakibatkan meningkatnya potensi timbulan sampah perkapita dan beragamnya jenis sampah yang dihasilkan (Nguyen & Schnitzer, 2009). Sampah laut ditelaah adalah yang tergolong sampah meso dan makro dengan ukuran > 5 mm sampai 1 m. Pengamatan sampah dilakukan dengan modifikasi metode shoreline survey methodology berdasarkan National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA (2013). Ada beberapa hal yang penting untuk disiapkan sebelum melakukan pengamatan sampah yang terdampar di daerah pantai seperti pemilihan lokasi pengamatan, bahan yang di perlukan untuk pengamatan dan waktu pengamatan. Berdasarkan Hasil Penelitian sampel sampah laut yang diperoleh di lokasi penelitian terdapat 2 karakteristik sampah laut yaitu makro-debris yang dikumpulkan pada dua belas transek sebanyak 341 item, sedangkan meso-debris terdapat sebanyak 94 item, serta ditemukan juga sampah dengan kategori mikro-debris sebanyak 46 item dengan total keseluruhan 481 item dan berat total keseluruhan 1433,38 gr/m2. Kata Kunci: Sampah laut, Tongkaina, Talawaan Bajo

Testing the potential for supplementary water to support the recovery and reintroduction of the black-footed rock-wallaby

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca West ◽  
Matthew J. Ward ◽  
Wendy K. Foster ◽  
David A. Taggart
Keyword(s):  
Population Growth ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Population Growth Rates ◽  
Introduced Predators ◽  
Predation Effects

Context Supplementary resource provision is increasingly used by conservation managers to manipulate habitat conditions that limit population growth of threatened species. These methods are popular in reintroduction programs because they can assist released individuals to adapt to novel environments. In situ management and reintroductions are being used to recover warru (black-footed rock-wallaby, Petrogale lateralis MacDonnell Ranges race) on the arid Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands of South Australia. Direct predation by introduced predators is thought to be the main cause of population decline, but indirect predation effects reducing access to water resources has also been proposed as a limiting factor. Aims To determine whether warru would use supplementary water and so provide a tool to alleviate resource pressure for in situ (wild) and reintroduced warru populations. Methods We provided supplementary water to a wild and reintroduced warru population across 12 months. Drinking rates were calculated by monitoring water points with camera traps and modelled against plant moisture content and total rainfall. We also examined whether number of visits to water points by warru predators and competitors was significantly different to control points (no water present). Key results Wild and reintroduced warru used water points within 0–10 days of installation. No significant increase in visits by predators or competitors was observed at water points. Drinking rates were significantly higher during dry winter months (March–October) for both wild and re-introduced populations. Conclusions Supplementary water is readily utilised by warru. Water could be provided in this manner to warru populations where predators are present, particularly during drier months (generally March–October on the APY Lands), periods of drought or after fire, when food resources will have a lower water content and/or be less abundant. This may increase breeding rates and recruitment of young, and improve the probability of persistence for populations of this threatened species, and should be further investigated. Implications Supplementary water provision may be a useful tool to increase population growth rates for threatened mammalian herbivores in arid habitats. Experimental trials of the uptake of supplementary water and effects on population dynamics will provide important data for implementing adaptive management frameworks for conservation.

Pits or pictures: a comparative study of camera traps and pitfall trapping to survey small mammals and reptiles

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon J. Dundas ◽  
Katinka X. Ruthrof ◽  
Giles E. St.J. Hardy ◽  
Patricia A. Fleming
Keyword(s):  
Community Composition ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Infrared Camera ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Camera Trapping ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Pitfall Traps ◽  
Pitfall Trapping ◽  
Trapping Methods

Context Camera trapping is a widely used monitoring tool for a broad range of species across most habitat types. Camera trapping has some major advantages over other trapping methods, such as pitfall traps, because cameras can be left in the field for extended periods of time. However, there is still a need to compare traditional trapping methods with newer techniques. Aims To compare trap rates, species richness and community composition of small mammals and reptiles by using passive, unbaited camera traps and pitfall traps. Methods We directly compared pitfall trapping (20-L buried buckets) with downward-facing infrared-camera traps (Reconyx) to survey small reptiles and mammals at 16 sites within a forested habitat in south-western Australia. We compared species captured using each method, as well as the costs associated with each. Key results Overall, we recorded 228 reptiles, 16 mammals and 1 frog across 640 pitfall trap-nights (38.3 animal captures per 100 trap-nights) compared to 271 reptiles and 265 mammals (for species likely to be captured in pitfall traps) across 2572 camera trap nights (20.8 animal captures per 100 trap-nights). When trap effort is taken into account, camera trapping was only 23% as efficient as pitfall trapping for small reptiles (mostly Scincidae), but was five times more efficient for surveying small mammals (Dasyuridae). Comparing only those species that were likely to be captured in pitfall traps, 13 species were recorded by camera trapping compared with 20 species recorded from pitfall trapping; however, we found significant (P<0.001) differences in community composition between the methods. In terms of cost efficacy, camera trapping was the more expensive method for our short, 4-month survey when taking the cost of cameras into consideration. Conclusions Applicability of camera trapping is dependent on the specific aims of the intended research. Camera trapping is beneficial where community responses to ecosystem disturbance are being tested. Live capture of small reptiles via pitfall trapping allows for positive species identification, morphological assessment, and collection of reference photos to help identify species from camera photos. Implications As stand-alone techniques, both survey methods under-represent the available species present in a region. The use of more than one survey method improves the scope of fauna community assessments.

scholarly journals Incorporating Availability for Detection in Estimates of Bird Abundance

The Auk ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 124 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duane R. Diefenbach ◽  
Matthew R. Marshall ◽  
Jennifer A. Mattice ◽  
Daniel W. Brauning
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methods ◽  
Distance Sampling ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
Bird Abundance ◽  
Point Counts ◽  
Variance Estimators ◽  
Bird Survey ◽  
Detection Probabilities ◽  
Ammodramus Henslowii ◽  
Further Development

Abstract Several bird-survey methods have been proposed that provide an estimated detection probability so that bird-count statistics can be used to estimate bird abundance. However, some of these estimators adjust counts of birds observed by the probability that a bird is detected and assume that all birds are available to be detected at the time of the survey. We marked male Henslow's Sparrows (Ammodramus henslowii) and Grasshopper Sparrows (A. savannarum) and monitored their behavior during May-July 2002 and 2003 to estimate the proportion of time they were available for detection. We found that the availability of Henslow's Sparrows declined in late June to <10% for 5- or 10-min point counts when a male had to sing and be visible to the observer; but during 20 May-19 June, males were available for detection 39.1% (SD = 27.3) of the time for 5-min point counts and 43.9% (SD = 28.9) of the time for 10-min point counts (n = 54). We detected no temporal changes in availability for Grasshopper Sparrows, but estimated availability to be much lower for 5-min point counts (10.3%, SD = 12.2) than for 10-min point counts (19.2%, SD = 22.3) when males had to be visible and sing during the sampling period (n = 80). For distance sampling, we estimated the availability of Henslow's Sparrows to be 44.2% (SD = 29.0) and the availability of Grasshopper Sparrows to be 20.6% (SD = 23.5). We show how our estimates of availability can be incorporated in the abundance and variance estimators for distance sampling and modify the abundance and variance estimators for the double-observer method. Methods that directly estimate availability from bird counts but also incorporate detection probabilities need further development and will be important for obtaining unbiased estimates of abundance for these species. Incorporación de la Disponibilidad para la Detección en las Estimaciones de Abundancia de Aves

scholarly journals Estimating Detection Probability and Density from Point-Count Surveys: A Combination of Distance and Double-Observer Sampling

The Auk ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 735-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle L. Kissling ◽  
Edward O. Garton
Keyword(s):  
Detection Probability ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Effective Area ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Point Count ◽  
Detection Probabilities ◽  
Fixed Radius ◽  
Count Surveys ◽  
Double Observer

Abstract Point counts are the method most commonly used to estimate abundance of birds, but they often fail to account properly for incomplete and variable detection probabilities. We developed a technique that combines distance and double-observer sampling to estimate detection probabilities and effective area surveyed. We applied this paired-observer, variable circular-plot (POVCP) technique to point-count surveys (n = 753) conducted in closed-canopy forests of southeast Alaska. Distance data were analyzed for each species to model a detection probability for each observer and calculate an estimate of density. We then multiplied each observer's density estimates by a correction factor to adjust for detection probabilities <1 at plot center. We compared analytical results from four survey methods: single-observer fixed-radius (50-m) plot; single-observer, variable circular-plot (SOVCP); double-observer fixed-radius (50-m) plot; and POVCP. We examined differences in detection probabilities at plot center, effective area surveyed, and densities for five bird species: Pacific-slope Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis), Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa), Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus), and Townsend's Warbler (Dendroica townsendi). Average detection probabilities for paired observers increased ≈8% (SE = 2.9) for all species once estimates were corrected for birds missed at plot center. Density estimators of fixed-radius survey methods were likely negatively biased, because the key assumption of perfect detection was not met. Density estimates generated using SOVCP and POVCP were similar, but standard errors were much lower for the POVCP survey method. We recommend using POVCP when study objectives require precise estimates of density. Failure to account for differences in detection probabilities and effective area surveyed results in biased population estimators and, therefore, faulty inferences about the population in question. Estimaciones de la Densidad y de las Probabilidades de Detección a Partir de Muestreos Utilizando Conteos en Puntos: Una Combinación de Muestreos de Distancia y de Doble Observador

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document