Transect Count Methods Research Articles

Harnessing Drones for Snow Leopard Conservation

Censusing snow leopard prey species like argali, ibex or blue sheep, is time-consuming, expensive, and challenging. We tested thermal-sensor-equipped drones to census ungulate populations in Mongolia’s Ikh Nart Nature Reserve. In 2019 and 2022 we used drones to detect wild ibex and argali. Here we report on 2022 findings: ~400 km along 5 fixed transects totaling forty-three missions, including several double count surveys. Drones detected 259 prey animals and 265 livestock; on average, 34% of all sightings were in areas obscured by topographic features from ground-based observers. Overall, tests reinforced the utility of drones for counting ungulates, along with highlighting important issues and future advances for supporting largely autonomous prey surveys. We recommend biologists build upon existing technology to attain an inexpensive, easy to use, and field ready set of equipment and procedures that can reliably improve or replace traditional walking or transect count methods for large prey species.

Dampak Konversi Hutan Menjadi Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit Terhadap Keanekaragaman dan Kelimpahan Kupu-kupu Superfamili Papilionoidea

The research was conducted in June to August 2022 in Ubiyau Village, Yanamaa Village and Yuwanain Village, Arso District, Keerom, Papua. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of forest conversion to oil palm plantations on the diversity and abundance of the Superfamily Papilionoidea butterfly. The line transect count method was used for sampling butterflies with a transect length of 1500 m at each study area. Sampling was carried out along a line transect in an imaginary box measuring 10 x 10 x 10 m which was carried out on sunny days from 09.00 am to 14.00 pm. The highest species diversity of the Superfamily Papilionoidea was found in Secondary Forest (HS), namely 70 species consisting of Papilionidae (8 species), Pieridae (5 species), Lycaenidae (21 species) and Nymphalidae (36 species). There were 42 species of butterflies recorded from Non-Productive Oil palm Plantations consisting of Papilionidae (5 species), Pieridae (4 species), Lycaenidae (11 species) and Nymphalidae (22 species). While the lowest number of butterfly species was encountered in Productive Oil Palm Plantations namely 32 species consisting of Papilionidae (5 species), Pieridae (3 species), Lycaenidae (8 species) and Nymphalidae (16 species). These data indicated that conversion of secondary forest to oil palm plantations reduced butterfly species by around 40-53%. The highest Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H') and Margalef Diversity Index (Dmg) values were found in secondary forest (H'=3.4; Dmg =13.7) followed by Non-Productive Oil Palm Plantations (H'=2.5; Dmg=7.2) and Productive Oil Palm Plantations (H=2.0; Dmg=6.1). The highest species similarity was between Secondary Forest and Productive Oil Palm Plantations with Sorensen Index value IS=60%, followed by Non-Productive Oil Palm Plantations and Productive Oil Palm Plantations (IS=51%) and the lowest species similarity index was between Secondary Forests and Non-Productive Oil Palm Plantations (IS = 46%). In Secondary Forest the composition of the number of individuals per species tends to be more evenly distributed compared to oil palm plantations. Forest conversion to Oil Palm Plantations has a negative impact on butterfly species diversity of the Superfamily Papilionoidea. The lost species that were not found in oil palm plantations were forest specialist species with small range sizes and niches as well as specific diets that were only found in forest. Key words: Papilionidae; primary forest; Pieridae; Nymphalidae; Lycaenidae; Keerom.

Estimation of ungulate population density in Kazakhstan: Case study from foothill ecosystems

Data on wildlife abundance is an important indicator both for the species concerned and the stability of entire ecosystems as well as for sustainable game management. Therefore, the abundance of ungulate game was verified in a foothill region of Kazakhstan. The methods of thermal imagery and faecal pellet group (FPG) census on transects were compared. The results obtained by the FPG counting method for moose (Alces alces, 0.34 individuals per 100 ha) and maral deer (Cervus elaphus sibiricus, 0.04 individuals per 100 ha) were relatively consistent with the data reported by the hunting ground tenants. Only one moose was detected by the thermal imaging transect count method. The results show that deer and moose abundance in Kazakhstan is significantly lower than in Central and Eastern Europe. Thus, for Kazakhstan, the method of FPG counting is well applicable for both routine and control counts. Detailed data on game populations can be obtained using the camera trap counting method, which has not been verified in Kazakhstan as yet.

Bird Diversity in Nensebo Moist Afromontane Forest Fragment, South Eastern Ethiopia.

Background: Birds are one component of biodiversity. Ethiopia is rich in biodiversity resources. The avian diversity record is far from complete. There is no scientifically documented information on bird species composition and abundance at Nensebo forest. The objective of the study was to assess species composition, relative abundance and distribution of birds at Nensebo forest in southern Ethiopia. Methods: We employed a stratified random sampling technique with our study area stratified into two dominant habitat types: moist Afromontane forest and modified habitat. Within strata, we established 20 transect lines of 1km length and 0.25km width to sample 27.75% of the study area. We used line transect count methods aided by binoculars to estimate avian species diversity and distribution. We employed quantitative biodiversity indices, such as Shannon wiener diversity indexes to compare species diversity among habitat types and two way ANOVA to analyze the effect of season and habitat on bird species richness and abundance. Results: A total of 105 bird species consisting of 1 endemic, 8 near endemic, 1 globally threatened and 9 Palearctic migrants were recorded in Nensebo forest. Species richness and abundance varied between habitat types in Nensebo forest with mean species richness greater in modified habitat (mean= 4.70 ±1.65) as compared to moist Afromontane forest habitat (mean= 3.95 ±4.12, F=94.66 P<0.001). Additionally, modified habitat (Shannon diversity index= 4.131) harbored higher diversity of birds as opposed to Afromontane forest habitat (Shannon diversity index=3.79). Conclusion: The Nensebo forest has high avian species diversity including several endemic and endangered species revealing the importance of this site for bird conservation. Although we found that habitat heterogeneity favored bird species diversity, moist Afromontane habitat is critical for forest obligate species. Hence, sustainable bird conservation strategies including land use planning should be initiated for this area.

Applicability of butterfly transect counts to estimate species richness in different parts of the palaearctic region

Transect counts are one of the most popular approaches to assess and monitor butterfly diversity, especially with the background of biodiversity loss. This method was developed in Europe, but its transferability is seldom tested across the world. To assess transferability, we compared butterfly richness estimates based on transect counts in Spain, Germany and central China, a region with a considerably different biogeographic history and more diverse butterfly fauna compared to Europe. We found that the efficiency of transect counts was much lower in China than in the other two regions. Apart from the fact that traditional transect counts may undersample canopy species which are predominant in central China, higher efficiency in Europe may be primarily attributed to different patterns of butterfly richness likely caused by different biogeographic and anthropogenic land-use history. Our results highlight that great caution is needed when transect count methods are transferred to other regions of the world, especially to particularly species rich areas with a high number of rare species. Low detectability of certain species can substantially mask species richness estimates, and we suggest to carefully adapt sampling effort and perhaps combine transect counts with other methods to ensure more realistic assessment of species richness in such regions.

Avifaunal Diversity in Three Selected Habitats, at the Eastern Boarder of the Faculty of Applied Sciences of Rajarata University, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka‟s avifauna is one of the richest in Asia. Numerous researches were conducted on avifauna of Sri Lanka. However, most of the studies were confined to the wet zone and information on the dry zone is scare. The Faculty of Applied Science locates adjacent to the Mihintale Sanctuary, provides habitats for different species of birds. The present study aimed to identify the species diversity and feeding ecology of avifauna in three different habitats at the eastern border of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. The current study was conducted in the morning from 06:00 to 07:30 hrs and 16:30 to 18:00 hrs in the evening during the period from July to October 2014. Line transect method (200×50 m) was used for sampling forest edge, while point counts were used for sampling semi-aquatic habitat and grassland. Thirty minutes were spent at both points and transect count methods. The area covered during sampling was 500×30 m. Altogether, 45 birds belong to 21 families were recorded, including 42 breeding residents, four winter visitors and four endemic species. Out of 45 birds, 31 were very common, 14 were common and three were nationally threatened. Shannon Diversity Index (H') for edge, semi-aquatic and grassland were 2.91, 3.31 and 2.67 respectively. Species composition of three habitats, 6, 5 and 12 bird species were confined to grassland, edge and semi aquatic area. Ocyceros gingalensis, Pycnonotus cafer and Megalaima zeylanica species were common to three habitats. Seven major feeding categories were observed within the study site. Majority was insectivores (29%) and lowest was piscivores (4%). The three different types of habitats in the study site provide suitable habitats for a variety of birds. Morning hours are more preferred time for the bird species, because of high food availability than in the evening. Higher bird diversity occurs in semi-aquatic area because of greater diversity of plant species composition. Variation of species richness may be due to the structural changes of vegetation, availability of food resources, climatic factors and human influences. Burning of grassland and waste disposal were the main threats to avifaunal distribution within the study site. Hence, avifaunal diversity in the study area needs to be conserved by taking steps to reduce habitat destruction. Keywords: Avifauna; diversity, Mihintale, Feeding, Species

A Comparison of Direct and Distance Sampling Methods to Estimate Abundance of Nesting Gulls

We compared the performances of the strip transect count method and the distance sampling method during colony surveys of large gulls to estimate the total number of nests. Ten colonies were surveyed by both methods. Nest detection probabilities varied from 0.519 ± 0.064 to 0.706 ± 0.049 and the average nest detection probability was 0.614 ± 0.015. Nest densities were highly variable, ranging from 77 nests/ha to 717 nests/ha. Estimates of the number of nests obtained by the strip transect count method averaged 9.3% lower than those obtained by distance sampling but by as much as 31% in some colonies. Underestimation by the strip transect counts increased at high nest densities (Kendall t = -0.556, P = 0.032). The strip transect method needed on average 6.5 observers per colony surveyed, whereas the distance sampling method required 1.4 observers per colony. In addition, the mean time spent per colony was 3 hours vs 1.7 hours for the strip transect and distance sampling methods respectively. Combining both these measures of effort, distance sampling required on average 87% less effort in the field than the strip transect method. We strongly advocate the use of distance sampling for surveys of large gull colonies.

Diversity and Abundance of Butterfly Species in the Abiriw and Odumante Sacred Groves in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Sacred groves in Ghana have been adopted as one of the strategies to mitigate the loss of biodiversity. They are seriously under threat from anthropogenic activities. A six month survey of the butterfly fauna in the Abiriw and Odu mante sacred groves in the Akwapim North and South Districts, respectively of the Eastern Region of Ghana was conducted to characterize resident butterfly species diversity and abundance. The transect count method and charaxes traps were used to sample the butterflies. Analysis of butterfly diversity in these groves, which range in size fro m 400 m 2 to 250 m 2 , was used to evaluate their effectiveness in achieving conservation objectives. Co mmun ity diversity was characterized in terms of, (a) number of species accumulated versus sampling effort, (b) nonparametric richness estimates, (c) Simpson's and Shannon-Weiner Indices of Diversity, and (d) Co mplementarity of co mmunit ies. A total of 1169 ind ividual butterflies were trapped across all sites representing 89 species from 10 families. Butterfly species richness and evenness in the Abiriw g rove was higher than that of the Odumante grove, however, the Abiriw grove harboured a resident community that was not distinctive from the Odu mante grove. These findings add to the body of knowledge that indicates that large groves are the foundation of successful conservation programs. Nonetheless, it was observed that both groves harbour a number of species that appear vulnerable to dynamics of fo rest frag mentation based on changes in their relative abundance across sites. The findings are discussed in the context of potential indicator species and theoretical predictions of at-risk species.

Estimation of required sampling effort for monitoring the possible effects of transgenic crops on butterflies: Lessons from long-term monitoring schemes in Switzerland

Butterflies (Lepidoptera) have been suggested for environmental monitoring of genetically modified organisms (GMO) due to their suitability as ecological indicators, and because of the possible adverse impact of the cultivation of current transgenic crops. A critical point is the sampling effort to be invested in such a monitoring. Here, we estimated the required sample size necessary to monitor potential effects of genetically modified crops on butterflies (Lepidoptera). We used data from two Swiss long-term butterfly monitoring surveys applying the common transect count method. The two monitoring surveys differed in several basic aspects such as geographical area covered, landscape context and sampling intensity. We carried out prospective power analyses in order to estimate the required sample size to detect effects of differing magnitude on mean species number, total individual abundance, mobility classes of butterflies and selected individual species. The required sample size decreased substantially when effect sizes above 10% were estimated. For example, a sample size of 79 transects would be sufficient to detect changes of 30% in total individual abundance for both survey types. Detecting effects on mean species number would need much less transects. Considerably more samples would be needed to analyze the abundance of single species. Several options are presented to increase statistical power or reduce required sample size, respectively. Also, we recommend to pool species to different mobility classes, and/or analyze patch occupancy of species instead of their individual abundance. The transect count approach is a suitable method for butterfly monitoring, both on a local as well as on a landscape scale. Consequently, both types of Swiss butterfly monitoring schemes are basically suitable for GMO monitoring. If transects are short and restricted to intensely used landscape, even non-professional field workers may yield data sufficient for effective monitoring, which might be relevant with respect to involved costs.

Indirect Evidences of Wildlife Activities in Shoals of Western Ghats, a Biodiversity Hotspots

Indirect Evidences of Wildlife Activities in Shoals of Western Ghats, a Biodiversity HotspotsThe presence of wildlife fauna and its activities were ascertained with the density of the scat, dung and other markings or droppings of the wildlife abode therein. Attempt was made to find out spatial differences in the activities of the wildlife populations and to comment on the abundance of different preys and predators within shola forests of Western Ghat hill forests, a Biodiversity hotspot in India. An indirect sampling method, Transect Count Method, was employed to count dung/pellet group/scat and other markings in that area. Pachyderms were found to be mostly dominant in Varagaliar and Punnumala shola patches while scats of all the three important predators, viz., tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Indian wild dog (Cuon alpinus) and leopard (Panthera pardus) were encountered only in Varagaliar shola. Greater abundance was recorded from Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary than Silent Valley National Park may be because of the restriction of animal movements in the former due to topographical barriers and its existence as isolated shola patches that led to a greater concentration of wild fauna in a relatively segregated forest cover.

Bird Species Diversity and abundance in the Abiriw Sacred Grove in the Eastern Region of Ghana

The sacred grove concept is one of the strategies developed by many human societies to conserve biological resources using a traditional approach. Sacred groves are currently under threat from anthropogenic activities due to lack of enforcement of traditional edicts to check encroachment. The birds inhabiting the Abiriw Sacred Grove in the Akwapim North District in the Eastern Region of Ghana were surveyed between February and April 2005 to determinethe current ecological status of the grove, and to establish a bird species list. The transect count method was used to sample the birds in the grove. A total of 411 individual birds belonging to 22 families and 66 species was recorded, out of which 211 individuals of 41 species occurred in the forest-cultivated land boundary, 111 (36 species) in pristine forest, and 89 (40 species) in secondary forest. A significant proportion of species in the grove were savanna specialists. Similarity indices indicated different levels of degradation of the various blocks. The current situation needs immediate attention to stem the tide of fragmentation and degradation.

The Status of Three Species of Turacos in the Kakum Conservation Area in the Central Region, Ghana

The encounter rates and relative abundance of three species of turacos, namely great blue (Corythaeola cristata), green (Tauraco persa) and yellow-billed (Tauraco macrorynchus) were studied in tropical rainforest in the Kakum Conservation Area (KCA) in the Central Region of Ghana between August 2005 and June 2006. The transect count method was employed in recording all turaco contacts. Turaco numbers and encounter rates varied among the four study sites. Both green and yellow-billed turacos were relatively common in the study area. Great blue turacos were, however, very few in the KCA and, therefore, need some protective and conservation attention. Turacos were restricted to the more pristine parts of the KCA than in secondary forest, where the encounter rates were also relatively lower (0 and 2.17 individuals/h in primary and secondary forests, respectively). The relative abundance and encounter rates of turaco species also varied between the seasons of the year, with larger numbers being encountered in the major rainy season (June-July). The most suitable areas for turaco-bird watching have been identified to be in the primary forests, especially near Antwikwaa camps, and a comprehensive study of the ecology of turacos in the KCA to facilitate their conservation has also been suggested.West African Journal of Applied Ecology Vol. 13 2008: pp. 104-110

Long-Term Antelope Population Monitoring in Southern Cape Forests

SYNOPSIS The results of population monitoring of two forest antelope species in the Knysna forests (South Africa), the bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and blue duiker (Philantomba monticola) are presented. Most monitoring was done by faecal pellet group counting, but some track counts, strip transect counts and direct observation recording were also carried out sporadically. Both faecal pellet group counting and strip transect count methods were found suitable for population monitoring of the two forest antelope species. The results reveal meaningful patterns of habitat preferences and population changes over time (1970–1997). Blue duiker populations declined sharply between 1970–1980 and have remained low since. Bushbuck densities increased from 1970–1990, but were low again in 1997. The current state of the monitoring programme is outlined and recommendations are made for its improvement.

Reliability of Transect-count Method for Monitoring Butterfly communities 1. Repeated Counts in an Urban Park

Reliability of Transect-count Method for Monitoring Butterfly communities 1. Repeated Counts in an Urban Park