diff --git a/vocab_files/methods_by_module/signs-based-fauna/collection.ttl b/vocab_files/methods_by_module/signs-based-fauna/collection.ttl index 7d27ceab7..35c46339e 100644 --- a/vocab_files/methods_by_module/signs-based-fauna/collection.ttl +++ b/vocab_files/methods_by_module/signs-based-fauna/collection.ttl @@ -12,96 +12,101 @@ PREFIX xsd: skos:OrderedCollection , tern:MethodCollection ; dcterms:description """

Contents

-
  1. Module overview
    2. -
  2. Introduction
    3. -
  3. Key definitions and terminology +
    1. Module Overview
      2. +
    2. Introduction and Background
      3. +
    3. Key Definitions and Terminology
    4. Rationale
    5. References
    6. Appendices
      7. -

    Module overview

    -

    Available protocols

    +

Module Overview

+

Available Protocols

The Sign-based Fauna Survey Module covers the procedures and guidelines of five protocols for recording the signs of fauna present in a project area:

    -

  1. Within-plot belt transect protocol

    2. -

  2. Off-plot belt transect protocol

    3. -

  3. Plot sign search protocol

    4. -

  4. Vehicle track protocol

    5. -

  5. Track stations protocol

    6. +

  6. Within-plot Belt Transect Protocol

    7. +

  7. Off-plot Belt Transect Protocol

    8. +

  8. Plot Sign Search Protocol

    9. +

  9. Vehicle Track Protocol

    10. +

  10. Track Stations Protocol

The module is appropriate for monitoring all fauna species. However, the methods outlined have been predominantly used to monitor pest fauna species, which form the basis of the literature referenced and examples provided. Depending on the project aims and environment, sign-based -surveys can consist of a single protocol or a combination of the five -protocols. Where possible, sign-based surveys are recommended to be -undertaken within or near an established 1 ha Core Monitoring Plot or -Fauna Plot so that the data to be analysed in combination with -vegetation and landform data collected.

-

The Within-plot belt transect protocol is -implemented within the 1 ha plot at 1, 2, 3 or 4 100 m transects +surveys can consist of a single protocol or a combination of protocols. +Where possible, sign-based surveys are recommended to be undertaken +within or near an established 1 ha Core Monitoring Plot or Fauna Plot to +enable the data to be analysed in combination with vegetation and +landform data.

+

The Within-plot Belt Transect Protocol

is +implemented within the Core Monitoring Plot at 1, 2 or 4 100 m transects consisting of 100, 1 m x 1 m consecutive quadrats. In each quadrat, the -absence of signs is recorded, or the presence of each sign type along -with the attributed species (minimum data requirement). The number of -each sign type by attributed species can be recorded. In addition, the -protocol can be implemented in unison with the Herbivory and Physical -Damage Module, whereby the extent of physical damage or herbivory is -recorded.

-

The Off-plot belt transect protocol is conducted -outside any established plot within the project area. The surveyor can -set the length of off-plot belt transects ranging from 100 m to 5 km. -Similarly, the surveyor can set the length and width of each consecutive -quadrats. Quadrats can be 1 m x 1 m (recommended for densely vegetated -areas or areas with lots of animal activity) and up to 4 m x 20 m -(recommended for more sparsely vegetated communities).

-

Plot sign search protocol involves recording the -presence and age of signs of any fauna observed across the plot (either -2 ha if in arid systems or 1 ha if elsewhere). If a vehicle track is -nearby, an additional 100 m track survey can also be conducted to -supplement the presence records. The active plot sign search protocol is -best suited to sandy environments (either arid or coastal systems) where -tracks can be readily left by animals and where the substrate is not -heavily vegetated or covered in leaf litter to impede tracks being left. -Note this protocol is similar to the Active search protocol of the -Vertebrate Fauna Module, however in this module the focus is on looking -for signs of fauna presence, whilst the Active search protocol allows -for disturbance techniques for searching for fauna present.

-

Vehicle track protocol can be undertaken along -a continuous transect which usually comprises a dirt road or vehicle +presence of each sign type along with the attributed species is +recorded, or the absence of signs (minimum data requirement). In +addition, the protocol can be implemented in succession with the +Herbivory and Physical Damage Module, whereby the extent of physical +damage or herbivory is recorded in the same quadrats.

+

The Off-plot Belt Transect Protocol is conducted +outside any established plot within the project area. The length of +off-plot belt transects can be set, with a minimum of 100 m. Similarly, +the length and width of the consecutive quadrats can be set. Quadrats +can be 1 m x 1 m (recommended for densely vegetated areas or areas with +lots of animal activity) and up to 4 m x 20 m (recommended for more +sparsely vegetated communities).

+

The Plot Sign Search Protocol involves recording the +presence and age of signs of fauna observed across the Core Monitoring +Plot, Fauna Plot or Biodiversity Plot (a 2 ha search area in arid +systems is recommended). If a vehicle track is nearby (within 200 m), an +additional 100 m track survey can also be conducted to supplement the +presence records. The optional track survey is best suited to +environments where the substrate is conducive to animal tracks +imprinting and heavy vegetation or leaf litter do not impede tracks +being left (e.g. open, sandy arid environments). Note this protocol is +similar to the Active search protocol of the Vertebrate Fauna Module, +however in this module the focus is on looking for signs of fauna +presence, whilst the Active search protocol allows for disturbance +techniques for searching for fauna present.

+

The Vehicle Track Protocol can be undertaken along a +continuous transect which usually comprises a dirt road or vehicle track. Dirt roads and vehicle tracks are prepared using a heavy object towed behind a vehicle and revisited on subsequent days to record the -tracks present. Typically track plots are established at set distance +tracks present. Typically, track plots are established at set distance intervals reflecting the target species' home range while ensuring -independence.

-

Track stations protocol can be undertaken within -defined track plots such as sand pads. The track plots are often +independence. The Vehicle track protocol is best suited to environments +where the substrate is conducive to animal tracks imprinting (e.g. sandy +arid environments).

+

The Track Stations Protocol can be undertaken within +defined track stations such as sand pads. The track stations are often prepared and cleared using a broom and revisited on subsequent days to -record the tracks present. Typically track plots are established at set -distance intervals reflecting the target species' home range while -ensuring independence.

+record the animal tracks present. Typically track stations are +established at set distance intervals reflecting the target species' +home range while ensuring independence. The Track stations protocol is +best suited to environments where the substrate is conducive to animal +tracks imprinting (e.g., sandy arid environments). However, sand or +another suitable tracking substrate can be installed at track stations +to complete the survey.

Relationships to other modules

-

Complete before -the Sign-based Fauna Survey Module

+

Complete before the Sign-based Fauna Survey Module

Mandatory if the Within-plot belt transect and Plot sign search protocols are used:

-
Weather conditions
+
Weather conditions
-
Weather conditions
+
Weather conditions