ACTIVITY 7: SPECIES MONITORING
OBJECTIVES: Participants will review the following concepts:
volunteers can make an important contribution to nature conservation through
species monitoring projects across the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary
study area;
discuss how frogs, panther, coyotes, black bear, eagles, scrub jays, sandhill and
whooping cranes, burrowing owls, sea turtles, bats, horseshoe crabs, striped
skunk, manatee, birds, plants and fish are being monitored through government
agencies, Audubon and non-profit nature organizations;
recognize how survey data on invasive and native species helps direct
management and restoration of habitats by providing reliable information on
status and trends of biota, identifying species at risk, revealing possible factors
causing observed trends and providing tools for forecasting future trends based
on adaptive management decisions.
MATERIALS: binoculars, thermometer, watch, clipboard, pencil, data forms, map or
GPS, hat, raingear, first aid kit, cell phone.
PROCEDURES:
1. Introduce participants and review map of monitoring area.
2. Emphasize safety: work with a partner, wear sturdy shoes, be aware of
weather conditions.
3. Establish route, monitoring sites and protocol.
4. Begin observation: settle at first site; record time, place on map (or GPS
coordinates), & general weather condition.
5. Look, listen, smell and record for established time period. Record end time.
6. Repeat at all assigned stations. Submit total report to group leader.
PROGRAMS: Frog Watch, Southwest Florida Amphibian Monitoring Network;
Audubon - Christmas Bird Count, Great Backyard Bird Count & Feeder Watch;
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - horseshoe crab and striped
skunk studies as well as black bear, eagle, panther, burrowing owl, deer, turkey,
alligator and coyote monitoring; Florida Scrub-Jay Citizen Monitoring Network,
Florida Marine Research Institute – Red Tide, Asian Green Mussels, Seagrass, Fisheries,
Marine Mammal & Marine Turtle monitoring.
“Successful volunteer monitoring programs demonstrate that volunteers can
collect valuable data. These programs encourage schools, community
groups, individuals, naturalists, backyard enthusiasts, Scouts and Guides to
engage in monitoring.” – Nature Watch