Every day, as we run we survey wildlife, for the world’s longest “Mega Transect”. Whether Amazon rainforest, Patagonian steppe, wetland or desert…..
1. “Point Count” sampling the number of birds:
All birds observed or heard during a 4 minute survey of a 25m radius circle “station” are noted. Four stations are surveyed, 150m from the “base” at: 12 o’ clock, 3 o’ clock , 6 o ‘clock and 9 o’ clock. The “base” is either where we camp or at mile 5 or 9 during the day.
We also note:
GPS location at the “base”
Start and end of survey
Weather (wind, rain, cloud)
Road type (asphalt/earth, width)
Average speed of vehicles
Habitat type (e.g. Grassland, Wooded Grassland, Rainforest, Urban)
Condition assessment of habitat. Photo of habitat
Note any important habitat features (e.g. parrot nesting cliff, wetland)
Presence of invasive species (e.g. European hare, European rabbit, European gorse).
We use a small note pad in the field and transfer the data onto a spreadsheet in the tent at night.
2. Daily Wildlife Records
As well as the point count, we record everything that flaps, bolts, scurries or wafts past us as we run each day (after all they are whom we are running for!). If we don’t actually see them, but do see the prints of a puma or Darwin’s rhea or the sniff the fine aroma of a Humbolt’ hog-nosed skunk… then we note the record as “E” for evidence. Each species is assigned a single “1″ and the daily total totted up each night.
3. Road Kill
Road kill is an important indication of the diversity and abundance of species in the habitats that we’re running through. The nocturnal species whom we miss during the night often appear in this count. There are several variables that can affect the amount of road kill we observe including:
- speed of cars
- width of road and road substrate
- abundance of wildlife in adjacent habitat
All these data collected along our 5000 mile ‘mega transect’ of South America, will be shared with eBird and other conservation organisations, groups and individuals. We will also post key findings, monthly species lists and points of interest at 5000mileproject website and 5000mileproject facebook page
The data will allow scientists and citizen scientists to return to the locations in the future and monitor ecological changes and trends. They will contribute towards Environmental Impact Assessments where applicable and can be used by owners and local communities to target conservation priorities.
Begon, M., Harper, J.L. and Townsend, C. R. Ecology Individuals, Populations and Communities. 1996. Blackwell Science, Oxford.