WILDLIFE HABITAT MONITORING

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A HEALTHY ECOSYSTEM AND BIODIVERSITY?

BIODIVERSITY

• There are few things as beautiful as the diversity of life that exists on Earth.
• Genetic Biodiversity is the variation in genes that exists within a species.
• Ecological Biodiversity is the diversity of ecosystems and natural communities.
• It allows for ecosystems to adjust to threats like extreme fires and floods.
• It can prevent diseases and helps species adjust.

IN ORDER TO HAVE A HEALTHY ECOSYSTEM YOU MUST HAVE BIODIVERSITY.

Why is it important we know how to detect flora and fauna through signs?

TRACKING/SIGNS

• Indicator Species- tells whether your ecosystem is healthy or not.
• Hair and Feathers - at a rub where the hair or feathers get snagged.
• Scratchings - these can be all over trees (beech), made by claws.
• Scat- tells you the type of animal by its size, shape, and consistency.
• Transition Area- is zone of intersection between two habitats.

Measuring
Width - measure the widest part of the track.
Stride - is measured from the heel of one foot to the heel of the other foot (i.e. right heel line to left heel line).
Straddle - if you draw a line of travel between the left heels and a line of travel between the right heels the distance between these two lines is the straddle.

BEAR SCRATCHES TREE MEANING THEY EITHER WANT A MATE OR THEY WANT THE TERRITORY TO THEM SELVES.

How can evidence be used for land use planning and long term conservation?

Using evidence like the indicator species we can determine the health of the ecosystem and where the most damage would be done if a highway was built in that area.

By knowing animal behavior in your area you can avoid habitat fragmentation and disturbances.

SPECIAL THANKS TO STARK MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION FOR PROVIDING US WITH THE TRIP