Development Of Evidence-based Tools Research Articles

Cooke’s index: A simple, cost-effective method for multiple practitioners to estimate European rabbit abundance

The development of evidence-based tools that help to monitor wildlife populations is essential to assess the success of management interventions. Here, we evaluated the reliability of a simple method to estimate the abundance of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), which is likely one of the most managed vertebrate species worldwide. Cooke’s method involves noting the distribution and frequency of sightings of rabbit fecal pellets and accordingly scoring the abundance of rabbits on a scale 0–5. To assess its reliability, we used information collected during 101 rabbit surveys conducted across mainland Spain during the summer of 2022. In each 4-km walked transect, we estimated rabbit abundance using Cooke’s method every 400 m (i.e., 10 indexes), and pellet counts (2 plots per 100 m walked, i.e., 80 counts), which were used as a reference index. Our results revealed a strong correlation between the estimates of rabbit abundance obtained using Cooke’s method and the number of pellets counted per m2 regardless of the statistical approach used. This suggests that Cooke’s method provides a simple and inexpensive way of estimating the abundance of European rabbits, which we believe that can be very useful for non-expert land managers after a very short training period. Importantly, our findings demonstrate that it is reliable to estimate rabbit abundance in different land uses. In addition, Cooke’s method can be used in different seasons, is not affected by circadian activity of rabbits, seems to work well across the whole range of rabbit abundance, and may be useful for estimating rabbit abundance at different spatial scales. As everyday people rather than scientists are generally involved in managing European rabbits, we strongly recommend this simple method that allows rabbit abundance to be quickly estimated so that management decisions can be made. More broadly, we encourage researchers to investigate the usefulness of similar monitoring tools for other mammal species that are often surveyed through counting their pellets.

Growth assessment and weight management in paediatric neuromuscular clinics: a cross-sectional survey across Canada

Purpose To identify current practices related to the assessment, monitoring and discussion of bodyweight, growth and obesity in neuromuscular clinics for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Methods A cross-sectional, online survey was distributed using snowball sampling to healthcare providers working with children with DMD across Canadian neuromuscular clinics. Summary and descriptive statistics were calculated. Content analysis was performed on open text responses. Results Thirty-seven responses were received, representing a range of healthcare disciplines. Height and weight were routinely assessed by 32/37 (87%) respondents, although only 21/37 (57%) responses reported having a clinic standard for measuring height and 23/37 (62%) for weight. While 32/36 (89%) reported discussing weight during consultations, only 13/37 (35%) felt confident doing so. Dietitians were considered the most appropriate person to discuss and manage weight with children and families, although only 17/37 (46%) reported having a dietitian involved in their clinic. Conclusions Neuromuscular clinics could benefit from implementing consistent and recommended growth assessment practices. The development of evidence-based tools, training and protocols tailored to Duchenne muscular dystrophy should be a priority. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Growth and weight monitoring approaches vary within and between neuromuscular clinics. Additional training on discussing and managing weight are warranted across disciplines. Advocacy is required to ensure access to dietetic expertise within neuromuscular clinics.