Assignment 4: HHMI Biointeractive activity for Survey Methods PDF

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Assignment 4: HHMI Biointeractive Activity for Survey Methods

By team

BIO 2129

Presented to

University of Ottawa Department of Biology Thursday, October 15 2020

Part 1: Where are they? 1) Table of comparison between the two African elephant species Characteristics

African elephant Species 1

African elephant Species 2

A) Species name

Loxodonta africana

Loxodonta cyclotis

B) Common name(s)

Savanna Elephant

Forest Elephant

C) Overall size/weight

Height: 10-13ft. Weight: 4-7 tons

Height: 8-10ft. Weight: 2-5 tons.

D) Type(s) of habitat

All of sub-Saharan Africa except for Central Africa’s dense tropical forest

Dense tropical forests

E) Diet

Herbivorous (grasses, leaves, shrubs, trees)

Herbivorous (leaves, fruit, seeds, branches, bark)

F) Social behaviour

-

-

-

-

Matriarchal Extended family groups with 4-14 members (mostly females) Males leave their groups in their teens and often live in solidarity Tallest elephant is highest ranked, more seniority

-

-

Matriarchal Nuclear family groups with 2-4 members (mostly females) Males leave their groups in their teens and often live in solidarity Tallest elephant is highest ranked, more seniority

Savanna Elephant. (n.d.). Retrieved October 8, 2020, from https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/savanna-elephant Forest Elephant. (n.d). Retrieved October 8, 2020, from https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/forest-elephant San Diego Zoo Global Library staff. (n.d.). African Elephants (Loxodonta africana and L. cyclotis) Fact Sheet: Behavior & Ecology. Retrieved October 8, 2020, from https://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/african_elephant/behavior 2) a) IUCN stands for the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

b) A theme that the IUCN is involved in is the development and implementation of environmental law. The Environmental Law Centre (ELC) and Environmental Law Programme (ELP) of the IUCN work directly with various local and global authorities to create and adapt laws that directly affect the environment. (IUCN, 2020) For example, in 2011 they published the IUCN Guidelines for Protected Areas Legislation as a framework to strengthen legal actions taken at the government level for protected areas. c) The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is a database of the status of plant and animal species. It ranges from Vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered (possibly extinct). The list is important because knowing what species are threatened gives an indication of the state of biodiversity of the regions where the species is found. The effects of the greater issues of climate change, deforestation, etc. that are causing the species to be threatened can be identified and conservation measures can be taken. (Rodrigues, Pilgrim, Lamoreux, Hoffmann, & Brooks, 2006) Protected Areas (PAs) and Land Use. (2020, January 31). Retrieved October 8, 2020, from https://www.iucn.org/theme/environmental-law/our-work/protected-areas-pas-and-land-u se Rodrigues, A., Pilgrim, J., Lamoreux, J., Hoffmann, M., & Brooks, T. (2006). The value of the IUCN Red List for conservation. Trends in Ecology & Evolution,  21( 2), 71-76. doi:10.1016/j.tree.2005.10.010 3) a) Savanna elephants have a bigger habitat range than forest elephants. Forest elephants are less widespread than savanna elephants because they have a preference for forest habitat diets, specifically fruits that aren’t available in the savanna. b) Some challenges that the IUCN faces when trying to determine the habitat of the forest elephants is that the forest is too dense to use aerial surveillance, as they

would for savanna elephants, so the numbers aren’t as accurate. For forest elephants, surveyors use is dung counts, which is the density and distribution of the feces (Stephenson, 2004). Stephenson, P. (2004, June 14). Questions and Answers on two species of African Elephant. Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://wwf.panda.org/?13691/Questions-and-Answers-on-two-species-of-African-Elepha nt 4) a) STE stands for Save the Elephants. b) In addition to monitoring the movement of elephants, STE has a number of elephant protection initiatives. This includes the Elephant Crisis Fund (in partnership with the Wildlife conservation Network) that is a coalition to end the poaching, trafficking and demand for elephants by funding conservation projects and putting pressure on governments to be more effective in poaching bans (Save the Elephants, n.d.). c) People/students can get involved through internships with STE. The internship is a 1-2 month professional placement in Kenya where interns would be assisting with various projects like Long Term Monitoring, behavioural studies and conservation studies. You must be over 18 to apply and ideally studying at biology or related sciences at a university. Save the Elephants. (n.d.). Elephant Crisis Fund. Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://www.savetheelephants.org/project/elephant-crisis-fund/ 5) a)

What device does STE use to track individual elephants and explain how it works?

STE uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. The collars track the large scale movements of elephants’ in present time to help in mapping out their home range and

movement patterns. To get the collar on the elephant, STE researchers sedate them by firing a tranquilizer gun and wake them with an antidote. The movements send a signal, accurate to about 5-15 metres, to a satellite several times throughout the day, usually every hour. That data can then be downloaded onto a computer or phone to be analyzed through a geographic information system (GIS). b)

Before this technology, how did ecologists track individual elephants in the past?

Before this technology was developed, ecologists would be following elephants in a car and study them for a day to get their information. c) How can the data collected be important for management purposes? The data collected is important for making conservation management decisions by persuading landscape planners and people that are involved in the research about where infrastructure (e.g. roads, railways, etc.) is going to be placed. For the long-term future, this data is important to study and use in determining where human activities will be done and how, to allow elephants to freely move and be protected. Part 2: How many? 6) a) In aerial surveys, explain specifically how do researchers delineate the counting strips on either side of the transect lines? In aerial surveys, the researchers delineate the counting strips by attaching two measurement wands to the plane. The observers inside of the aircraft can see out through the wands, this is called the counting strip, and the height is measured by a laser altimeter. It is measured 300 feet above ground level, that translates to about 150 metres on the ground. The researchers do not count outside of this range, only the group of animals within it. b) Why are two observers needed in the aircraft and what do they do? Two observers are needed in the aircraft to look out the left and right side, in order to count animal sightings on either side of the transect lines.

c) Explain why cameras are so important? The cameras are very important when determining what is inside and outside of the strip because the human eye is not sufficient enough at knowing the correct measurements or area that is needed or in their range. 7) The Great Elephant Census occurred in 2014-2016 in 20 countries using aerial surveys a) Which African elephant species was measured in the census and why not the other species? The Savanna elephants were measured in the census because since they are large and are in flat open habitats it is easy to identify them, especially when researchers are in an aircraft or helicopter. b) What were the purposes of the census? The purpose of the census is to motivate and spark an inspiration for decision makers with information that may not have been known to them, and persuade them in helping the animals that are in need. c) Once the data were collected, explain how the researchers determine the TOTAL population of this elephant’s species? Researchers use one of three survey methods; transect sample counts, block sample counts, or total counts, to determine the total population of the elephant species. Aerial surveys can provide imprecise information because of variations in landscape, elephant distribution and human sampling error. To reduce the error, they choose between one of the three survey methods appropriately, double-checking observer’s data, and maintaining flight speed and height. 8) a) Indicate the features that are being described by Dr. Joyce Poole to recognize the elephant in the video.

Dr. Joyce Poole recognized a female elephant by mentioning how her left tusk is shorter than her right, with her left ear having a hole and square notch in it, and a flap-cut. Her right ear has a V notch, a U notch, and another hole. The female elephant also has two breasts in between her legs and an arched back indicating she is an elderly female. b) Beside counts, explain what other useful information can individual registration give? Individual registration can provide information on an elephant’s sex, age, and unique features/markings. It can also provide information about an elephant’s location, group size and behaviour which can help model population growth rate. c) Why is this method usually not ideal to estimate population size? This method is usually not ideal to estimate population size because they are costly and labor-intensive, observers have to recognize the individuals and monitor any events regularly. It can also be unsuitable with large populations and requires many years of observation. 9) a) What is its Elephant Ethogram project? Please explain it briefly (2 pts) The Elephant Ethogram project is a database of ElephantVoices’ videos and information from over the last few decades. The purpose of the project is to share information with other scientists and the general public to advance the study of African savanna elephant behaviours. Poole, J. (n.d.). The Elephant Ethogram. Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://www.elephantvoices.org/studies-a-projects/the-elephant-ethogram.html b) Beside visual communication, briefly explain other ways that elephants can communicate (4 pts) Other than visual communication, elephants can also communicate by acoustic, tactile and chemical communication. Acoustic communication is done by elephants making and listening to sounds. Tactile communication is the physical

contact and touch between elephants. Elephants also communicate by chemical communication through secretions and their sense of smell. Poole, J. (n.d.). How elephants communicate. Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://www.elephantvoices.org/elephant-communication/why-how-and-what-elephants-co mmunicate.html 10) a) Which species of African elephants is mainly studied using acoustics surveys and why it is effective for this species specifically? (2 pts) Acoustic surveys are most effective for studying forest elephants since they can cover a large area over a prolonged period of time. A single sensor can be used to cover an area of 3 kilometers squared and since the recordings are automatic, there is little need for human labour. Survey Methods. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://media.hhmi.org/biointeractive/click/elephants/survey/survey-acoustic-surveys-adva ntages.html b) Briefly explain how can the recordings be used to estimate the elephant population in an entire habitat? (2 pts) Audio recorders are set up around the edge of a forest clearing and based on the number of elephant recordings and the number of observed elephants in the clearing, the calling rate is determined. Audio recorders are then set up around the forest and based on the number of recorded elephant vocalizations, the calling rate is used to determine the number of elephants in the sample area. The number of elephants in the sample area are then extrapolated to find the estimated number of elephants in the entire habitat. Survey Methods. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://media.hhmi.org/biointeractive/click/elephants/survey/survey-acoustic-surveys-adva ntages.html

c) Beside recording elephants sounds, what other crucial information can researchers get from the recorders and why are all these data so important? (2pts) The data collected from recorders are critical to guiding conservation efforts since it can provide data such as the number and whereabouts and of elephants. Moreover, human activity such as gunshots from poaching are also recorded. The gunshot recordings serve as a powerful educational tool and reminder that poaching is very real and that elephant populations are still declining at an alarming rate. Survey Methods. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://media.hhmi.org/biointeractive/click/elephants/survey/survey-acoustic-surveys-adva ntages.html 11) a) What does ELP stand for? (1 pt) ELP stands for the Elephant Listening Project. Survey Methods. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://media.hhmi.org/biointeractive/click/elephants/survey/survey-acoustic-surveys.html b) What is its general goals (2 pts) The ELP is used to determine the calling rate of elephants in a sample area and using that information, scientists are able to estimate the number of elephants in the study area. The data collected is essential for conservation as it gives conservationists an idea of the population dynamics in the study area. Survey Methods. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://media.hhmi.org/biointeractive/click/elephants/survey/survey-acoustic-surveys.html c) Briefly explain what is thermography and why ELP is using it in the study of elephants? (3 pts)

Thermography is thermal imaging and it enables researchers to capture footage of elephants at night. ELP is using it because thermography can also aid researchers in assessing the health of individual elephants and learn more about their heat regulation. Peter_wrege. (2019, April 25). Night Gallery. Retrieved October 11, 2020, from https://elephantlisteningproject.org/thermal-imaging/ 12) a) Briefly explain how dung transects can be used to estimate elephant population size. (3 pts) By knowing how often elephants defecate, how long it takes a pile of elephant feces to decay and the number of dung piles are in the sample area, scientists can estimate the number of elephants in the area. The two main methods of dung transects are line transect and recces. For the line transect method, workers walk along transect lines and record all the dung piles they see. They then use a software to calculate an estimated model of the elephant density. The recess method varies where workers walk along a straight path and record all the dung piles they see within 1 meter of both of their sides. The equation Elephant Density = (dung density) / (defecation rate x decay time) is then used to determine the estimated elephant density. Survey Methods. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://media.hhmi.org/biointeractive/click/elephants/survey/survey-dung-transects-method s.html b) Between acoustic surveys and dung transects, which method requires less effort and is more precise? Please explain (3 pts) Acoustic surveys require less effort and are more precise than dung transects. Dung transects require careful training and are expensive and labour intensive. On the other hand,

acoustic surveys can cover a larger area and are more precise since recordings are automated, therefore, human error is rarely an issue. Survey Methods. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://media.hhmi.org/biointeractive/click/elephants/survey/survey-dung-transects-disadva ntages.html 13) a) What does WCS stand for? b) What is its main goal and for how many years so far has the organization been existing? c) Beside elephants, indicate another group of animals in which WCS is involved and explain what is its involvement for that animal group? WCS is the Wildlife Conservation Society. Since their formation on April 26th, 1895, they have been studying wildlife and ecosystems in order to address biodiversity crises and to conserve ecosystems. Previously known as the New York Zoological Society, this organization has helped address many issues concerning wildlife conservation including (non-exclusively) the conservation of elephants. Right now in Canada, the society is actively involved in the protection of fresh-water fish among other species. To protect the fish, WCS ensures that the aquatic systems in which they live are not separated with dams or heavily polluted. They are also studying the populations in order to better understand their main threats in order to work towards solutions. Freshwater Fish. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wcscanada.org/Wildlife/Freshwater-Fish.aspx What We Do. (2020, May 21). Retrieved from https://wildlifeact.com/our-fund/

Part 3: Population Change 14)

a) In the 20th century, which decades were the deadliest for elephants and by how much did they decline? b) Despite international legislation to ban the ivory trade and efforts to stop the vast killing of elephants, why is the problem still persisting and has become a crisis? c) How has this affected the range of Arican elephants and what solutions have been suggested to save the African elephants? The 1970s’ and 1980s’ were the deadliest decades for African elephants. By the end of this era (in 1989), 50% of the population had been exploited for their tusks. To this day, there is still an immense demand for ivory, thus it is a very profitable industry. The problem is persisting since poachers are still exploiting the elephants for the lucrative market. In 1997 and 2008, they allowed existing tusks to be sold in an attempt to appease buyers, but poaching simply increased. Researchers can even hear poachers’ gunshots through acoustic surveys. By comparing 1979 and 2007 ranges on a map, one can clearly see that the effect is of grave importance. The range of these elephants has been reduced by half. The population since then has been increasing. Conservationists have been conducting surveys through several methods in order to gather information regarding different African elephant populations (the Great Elephant Census). This information allows researchers to better understand which populations are stable, and which are decreasing. They can then focus their efforts on populations in danger. The elephants are also under many different legal protections. The larger populations even live in protected areas. Since they are protected legally, law enforcement as well as habitat management are ways of conserving this species. Essentially, the conservation actions needed consist of land and water protection and management, species management, education and awareness, and law enforcement measures against poachers. There are even independent foundations fighting for these animals’ rights. Foundations like NFEF (Never Forget Elephant Foundation) raise awareness and fight to return captive elephants to their natural habitat.

Julian Blanc (IUCN SSC African Elephant Specialist Group). (2008, June 30). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/12392/3339343

Our Mission & Approach. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://neverforgetelephantfoundation.org/mission-approach?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7vqbo5em7AI VxMDICh0n5w40EAAYAiAAEgKNcPD_BwE Survey Methods. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://media.hhmi.org/biointeractive/click/elephants/survey/population-change.html

15) What is the current situation regarding elephants’s poaching in Africa? Support your answer by explaining the underlying causes of elephants poaching in Africa. Although African elephants are under protection and th...