What factors influence the type of count you may use?
Cost of the counting methodSize of area to be counted Species to be countedHabitatAvailability/Quality of manpower (NB)Purpose of count
What are the different types of game counts?
Direct Midden Track Aerial Estimated Static obsDrive countStrip Drive countRoad strip countRecord methodRatio method
What is a Direct count?
Shows exactly how many of the species you have.Used for intensive management esp. expensive sp.Monitoring growth of populationCalculate pressure on environment (NB) Calculate utilization of various areas
What is a Midden count?
Record amount of midden in areaMapped to establish territory (GIS)Frequency of useHabits of sp.counted
Give an idea of size of territories, ie how many bulls. If midden used more then territory smaller, & vice versadepends on sp. - cannot do on those that don't have a territory ie Buffalo
Describe a Track Count?
It is an indirect method of counting.Best to start with a clean slateMust have a good knowledge of trackingDistinguish between old and new tracksCorrect identification essential.
It is Quantitive v Qualitativeie how many v What have we got.
Briefly explain an Aerial Count ?
Can use a helicopter.plane, or aerial photo.
With aerial photo have grid over, and using special equip,note how many in photo.
Plane count - 2 marks on window 2 on struts o/s plane, then count those in that area.If a herd use a photo then count later.
What is an Estimated Count?
Need repeatabilityHas to be done over time to get accurate countsCalculate total population on farmUsed for determining harvesting quotas
What are the problems with Estimated Counts?
Uneven animal distribution on farmAnimal habitatAnimal habits
What is the Static observation method?
It is easy to do.Direct counting methodIntegrity of observers very importantAnimal behaviour (day/night activity) Repeatability Point selection must be a factor
What must you do in a Static point obs?
Measure total surface of area observedPercentage of observed area of total habitat typePercentage of habitat type in total
What is a Drive Count?
Is a very accurate direct counting method.Animals get driven ahead of counters Used for small propertiesGood line of sight requiredDone when veld dry & little leaves on treesWalk equal distance (50-100m) apart over width of propertyAll count to the same sideDone from 2 sides of dividing line
What are the problems with a Drive count?
Can get breaks n the lineWrong animal idAnimals may break fences to get awayMay interfere with herd structure
What is a Strip Drive Count?
An indirect method with medium accuracy, similar to a drive count but wider conditionsHave clearly marked out stripsCentre counts left and rightThose on left count left & vice versaMean visibility calculatedSuitable for homogene areas
What are the problems with a Drive Strip count?
Thick bush will reduce visibilityAnimals in large herdsAnimals occurring in small patches
What is a Road Strip Count?
Not very accurate method of countingHave marked out strips of given sizeMarked out with GPSStrips to cover all habitat typesMust be done on the same daySightings recorded onto mapLog habitat transitions ie Savannah, River, Reeds, Open plains areas
What are the problems with Road Strip Counts?
Animals are afraid of vehicles esp. if huntedPrejudice due to location of road ie don't cross rivers oftenConsistency