Wildlife Investigations

The investigation of wildlife must be the backbone of any conservation program. Having a clear understanding of a species life history and the problems it faces before engaging resources to solve problems improves the chance of successful project and an efficient use of resources. Problem solving without a good investigation is virtually impossible.

But most resource problems pose a familiar dilemma for biologists. Most would prefer to know all that needs to be known before making any conclusions or recommendations, especially those that will cause political or economic costs. The greater the cost the greater the need to be confident in the data collected. The dilemma comes when the species or habitat is in rapid decline and without decisive action either will be lost. Waiting for more data, delays action, problem worsens, and solutions become more difficult and costly.

Ultimately many investigations are a delicate balance of time and resources. This was our experience with shorebirds on the Delaware Bay. Many of the species, like the red knot, have complex life histories that were only barely understood at the time that they were in major decline. Reasonable scientists, who developed the case that horseshoe crab eggs caused a crash in knot numbers, were forced to acknowledge weaknesses with those who had little interest in the best science, only to enable the continuation of harvests. It took years to make an unimpeachable case, so long that now the species titters at the edge of extinction and the cost to bring it back is too high for the Federal government to act. Ultimately the price of certainty could easily be a failure to protect or a solution that too costly to animals and humans.

(Read More: Wildlife Investigations) (Read More (cont.): Shorebird Project)

There are ways to overcome this dilemma. A good wildlife investigation can be smart, starting with a clear understanding of the problem and a objective statement of what the investigation hopes to achieve. This is best done with a series of questions or hypotheses, predicted outcomes and ultimately the methods to test the hypotheses. A good investigation is also cost effective not only employing paid professionals but unpaid volunteers who have an interest in the work at hand. This is often the case in our field investigations on birds. All investigations should end in a well written report sufficient to be peer reviewed and published in a reputable scientific journal.

I always preferred to begin investigations with the help of a team, in which all members can freely contribute their own ideas as the project develops. I maintain this constant review even while the project is ongoing to ensure the work is efficient and objective.

I have decades of experience at creating and implementing investigations into wildlife ecology, population management, habitat protection.

• Surveys to determine distribution, habitat use, population status of most animal taxa.

• Monitoring programs to establish baseline and to assess progress in population and habitat restorations

• Targeted research that evaluates and purposes solutions to all wildlife related problems.