07.01.24 Flashcards
a process designed to evaluate the condition and structure of environmental habitats
habitat assessment
describes the role an organism plays in a community
niche
- description of the quality of a habitat through a strategic combination of indicators that measure the overall viability of the site and its capacity to support a prescribed environmental matter
- process is designed in a simple and repeatable way
habitat assessment
what use or importance would measuring these parameters be to a wildlife biologist?
allows them to gain vital information about animals and their habitats, which is essential for effective conservation and management efforts
Types of Observations
- ocular
- audio
- trapping
- physical disturbance
- direct visual observation of animals in their natural habitat
- non-invasive method that relies on binoculars, telescopes, or even the naked eye
- Wildlife biologists often use observation to document behavior, count animals, and identify species.
Ocular Observation
common instruments used in ocular observation
- binoculars
- telescopes
- naked eye
- involves listening to animal sounds to identify species, track their movements, and understand their behavior
- Biologists might use specialized microphones or recorders to capture sounds that are difficult for humans to hear directly.
Audio Observation
common instruments used in audio observation
specialized microphones or recorders
- involves setting traps to capture animals alive or dead
- Traps are typically designed to be species-specific and minimize harm to the animal
- Once captured, researchers can collect various data points like weight, body measurements, and health markers
- can be disruptive to the animal and should only be done by trained professionals with proper permits.
Trapping
two types of traps
- restraining traps
- killing traps
used by biologists to capture and release animals unharmed
Restraining traps
meant to result in immediate death and are used either on land or underwater
Kill traps
- involves deliberately disturbing the animal’s environment to elicit a response
- generally considered the most disruptive method and should be used cautiously and ethically
Physical Disturbance
example of physical disturbance
- leaf tapping
- Upturning of rocks
- basta samokon nimo munato
Subtypes of Restraining Traps
- Pitfall trapping
- Box and Cage
- Corral
- Nets
- Snares
Csn be a container or cavity, dug in soil or other materials, with an opening at the top, which collects organisms that fall in
Pitfall trapping
Works on the principle of luring wherein a bait is placed inside and a trigger causes the door to close and lock as the animal enters
Box and Cage
Large enclosure used to capture multiple animals at once, typically larger mammals or group of animals. They consist of a fenced area with one or more entry points
Corral
Used to capture animals of all sizes, from small rodents to large mammals. It can be placed on the ground or suspended in the air.
Nets
Capture animals by tightening a loop of wire or cord around part of the animal’s body, typically the neck or limb, when the animal triggers the trap
Snares
Subtypes of Killing Traps
- Rotating-jaw traps
- Snap traps
Has two metal frames which allow a torsion spring on each side to rotate the frames and close them in a scissor-like fashion
Rotating-jaw traps
Have one jaw that closes from 180° on a flat surface
Snap traps