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Manali Gokhale and Emily Bobrick. Located in Laikipia, Kenya Incorporates cattle ranching, wildlife, and research. Conducted every six months Accounts for most mammal species excluding rodents and primates. Ostriches and bustards were also counted The most accurate estimation of populations
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Located in Laikipia, Kenya Incorporates cattle ranching, wildlife, and research
Conducted every six months Accounts for most mammal species excluding rodents and primates. Ostriches and bustards were also counted The most accurate estimation of populations Ongoing project starting in 2006
54 transects • 2 kilometer paths • Rangefinder, GPS and compass • Vehicle-based • Early morning and evening • DISTANCE program
Ranger-based protocol Completed in one day Conducted from inside vehicle Only record numbers Expected to be less accurate, but cheaper
Population trends of endangered species Wild dogs vs. Impala and dik-dik Provides researchers with basic information about the Mpala Research Centre Finding the most accurate method of population estimation
Camera trap points set up at over 100 locations around Mpala Motion activated Lets us see animals at night and away from the roads Year-round collection
Trade-offs between vigilance and other activities, such as grazing Suspected behavior difference between sexes males vs. lactating females vs. non-lactating females Plains vs. Grevy’s
10 minute observation periods Record one or two zebras per person Distance of 100+ meters Varying group size, bush density, group composition, etc. Used Excel to calculate time allocated to different activities
Professor Dan Rubenstein and Nancy Rubenstein Transect Team: Enock Ochieng, Francis Lemojo, Tim O’Brien, Tanai, Galen Ogg, Mireille Beijjani Max Silver Margaret Kinnaird Mpala Research Centre Princeton Environmental Institute