Non-invasive techniques such as hair traps, camera traps, and scat samples can tell biologists a lot about habitat use and population size
Tools That Leave Wildlife Unbothered Widen Research Horizons. By Jim Robbins. New York Times
There has been a lot of discussion on this blog about radio collars and other invasive techniques used to get information about wildlife. After Macho B’s death this is a timely article.
I used to inject PIT tags into juvenile salmon and steelhead and the information gathered is valuable. The quandary with these methods comes from the fact that individuals will inevitably be killed and the wild nature of the animals can be affected.
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Ken Cole
Ken Cole is a 5th generation Idahoan, an avid fly fisherman, wildlife enthusiast, and photographer. He is the interim Idaho Director for Western Watersheds Project. We do not accept unsolicited “guest” authors or advertising.
Hopefully on top of the creative and imaginative ways that people are starting to gather data about animals will come some creative and imaginative ways of sharing the data and the answers . . sometimes I think there is so much competition in the field of biology that cooperation suffers. The web of wild life might elude us just because people can’t communicate.
PS . . Ralph I don’t know where else to say this but thank you so much for the improved website and email follow-ups. Very cool indeed!