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Protecting wild species and their habitats in order to prevent species from going extinct.

 

Bird Surveys. The status of the Kilombero Valley as an Important Bird Area we use birds as a monitor of environmental change. Methods used includes Time Point Count and Mist netting.

 

Butterfly Survey. Butterflies are a worthwhile taxa to survey for a number of reasons; they are easy to capture equipment used for their capture is relatively cheap and they are a good indicator of habitat type and quality.

Canopy traps are hung within the tree canopy to trap butterflies. Bait (fermented bananas) is used to lure fruit-feeding butterflies to feed on the bait, which is placed on the centre of the metal plate.  The butterfly lands on the plate to feed on the banana bait when finished the mechanics of butterfly flight mean that it flies upwards and is prevented from escaping the net.

  

Reptiles and Amphibians Survey

• Direct Observation

 • Pit-fall Traps. Pitfall traps are a technique that can be used to survey reptiles and amphibians as well as small mammals and insects.  Therefore it is a very useful technique to employ when time or manpower is limited.  Equipment is also relatively cheap and animals that cannot be attracted by bait can be captured.

 

Signs of poaching survey. Illegal Hunting wild animals, Deforestation for charcoal and timber for subsistence and income had been a common practice for local communities in the Kilombero Valley. Recording of poaching incidents is important, as information is needed on the types and patterns of poaching.  For example, knowing which techniques are employed, which species are most commonly caught, the average age caught, and any areas in which poaching is rampant, is very useful if the impacts of poaching are to be determined.  Once this is established, measures to combat poaching can be taken.

 

To determine whether an animal was killed by poachers or by lions etc. Generally, a lion (or other animal predator) kill results in the bones being spread out.  This is due to the prey being pulled apart as the predator tears off the meat (scavengers such as hyena will also spread the bones around).  Obviously for a poaching incident, not many bones will be left onsite, as the animal will be transported soon after it is dead for meat consumption or sale.

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 Signs of Wildlife.  Carnivore Station, Large Mammal Transect

  • Large mammals are difficult to see

  • Indirect observations allow field surveys to be conducted throughout the day and are not restricted to periods of peak animal activity

  • Requires very little and inexpensive equipment.

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