Mammal Tracks and Signs - Accurate Identification for Professional Ecologists

Description

An interactive and practical two-day course aimed at professional ecologists with some working knowledge and experience of identifying mammal tracks and signs, but who would benefit from more detailed understanding and guided practice. The course is also suitable for the relative beginner who has a broad understanding of British mammals but may not have much practical experience.
The course content covers some principles relating to all major British mammal groups in its introductory section; but as it gets into more detail, it focusses more on tracks and signs of those mammals that are legally protected (badger, otter, pine marten, water vole, etc) and what can be confused with them. This recognises the commercial and legislative priorities for professional ecologists.
The first day will be mostly classroom-based teaching and interactive learning, with a short field-based session in the late afternoon. The second day will be entirely field-based (weather permitting) and will focus on the identification of real tracks and signs, as they are found in nature. The course will cover:
1. Footprint anatomy: mammalian foot evolution, structure, and types (as related to tracks)
2. Diagnostic and easily-confused features of mammal tracks across a range of Carnivores, Rodents, Lagomorphs and Insectivores.
2. Footprint distortions: Register, substrate, movement, slope, weather and ageing, over-printing by other animals, etc.
3. Other field-signs: scat and scent-marking, feeding signs, shelters, hairs, paths/runs, etc.

Who Should Attend?

Professional ecologists, conservationists and students/academics engaged in mammal survey and monitoring in the British Isles.

Knowledge Level

Beginner - Intermediate

Prior Knowledge

Some basic awareness of protected mammal species in the UK. Some basic experience of trying to identify mammal tracks and signs would also be useful.

Learning Outcomes

• More confidently identify, in the field, the footprints and other field-signs of terrestrial and riparian mammlas in the British Isles that are legally protected and/or priorities for conservation of biodiversity.
• Understand the key differences between taxonomic groups of mammals in terms of the footprints and other signs they leave
• Understand which field-signs can be most easily confused
• Begin to understand the structure and variability of mammal footprints and other signs under different movement and environmental conditions.
• Begin to understand the differences between front and hind feet, and foot placement, and how these may affect identification

Refreshments

Please bring your own lunch

Tickets