Monitor wildlife

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1.

Explain the purpose and state the principles of wildlife monitoring.

·        To make sure ecosystem is kept in balance ·        To keep veld condition from over grazing ·        To keep all numbers equally. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

A clear and concise explanation is given on the purpose of wildlife identification and monitoring activities.

·        The purpose is to find any kind of trend.

·        On the x-axis time is always a factor

·        On the Y-axis it can be number, species, location or vegetation depending on what you count.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Appropriate methods of wildlife monitoring in the area of operation is listed and explained.

1.      Fly(helicopter or airplane)

2.      Walk(certain route every time)

3.      Drive(game vehicle)

You must use the same method every year or season depending on when you count to get a consistent data.

And if you want to change your method firstly use old method and new method at same time to get different ratios in data.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Identify local plants and animal species including their sign, spoor and habitat.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Key local species in the operational area are identified by their common names.

·        The key local species is the species that guest wants to see more than others(Giraffe)

·        Animal names must be used not according to their scientific names it must be used in its most common known names, for everyone to understand..

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Spoor of key species is recognized to ensure accurate monitoring. ·        Can follow patterns. ·        Can determine age and size. ·        Can determine in which direction they are moving. ·        How many there are.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Simple keys are used to identify species.

·        Most common keys to identify like a blesbuck with the white face.

·        Giraffes(Long neck brown spots)

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Habitats used by wildlife are identified and explained.

·        All animals have different habitats.

·        Be sure to identify correct species with correct habitat.

·        Blesbuck-Open plains

·        Oryx-Thick bush

·        Etc.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Count the local plants and animals.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

An accurate count is made of key plant and animal species as it relates to the area of operation.

·        Be sure that all staff use same method and that the subject is discussed before hand to prevent double count or no count at all.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

·        An explanation is given of the data gathering methods used for the counting of local plants and animals.  ·        Walk- Walk in a straight line and only count to the left approximately 50m. ·        Drive- Same as walk but follow game drive routes, Bicycle routes. ·        Fly- Fly in a grid form to prevent double count and only count a certain diameter.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

An accurate report is drafted and presented on the results obtained.

·        A report must be written after each count and also be copied to preserve for future so that numbers can be compared after the next count and plans can be made to improve.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4

Determine the locality of animals, plants and abiotic elements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

A simple map is used to locate and record the location of animals and plants as per identified needs and organizational requirements. ·        The correct map must be used and correct markings must be made where and when there has been counted to make sure for future use you can get an idea where what types of animals live, breed etc. which will make counting more easier in the future.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

A report is prepared to describe relevant abiotic factors.  ·        A report must be written about all abiotic factors such as: ·        Veld condition is important to state where plans can be made to prevent: 1.      Erosion 2.      Overgrazing 3.      Under grazing 4.      Bad veld condition 5.      Etc.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5

Record information on species observed.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Relevant information about local species is measured or recorded to promote effective wildlife monitoring.  ·        “Fresh” blood must come into farm to prevent in-breeding. ·        Herds tend to get to big and more conflict so remove more males and put one or two new males on farm. ·        Condition of wildlife is important as this is the main attraction is wildlife on a nature reserve.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

A report that summarises the data collected is prepared and presented according to organisational requirements.

·         A report about data taken must be on standard with company policies.

·         Data must be easy to understand.

·         Information must be accurate and correct.