Ecological Census Techniques: A Handbook

by William J. Sutherland (Editor)

This is an updated version of the best selling first edition, Ecological Census Techniques, with updating, some new chapters and authors. Almost all ecological and conservation work involves carrying out a census or survey. This practically focussed book describes how to plan a census, the practical details and shows with worked examples how to analyse the results. The first three chapters describe planning, sampling and the basic theory necessary for carrying out a census. In the subsequent chapters international experts describe the appropriate methods for counting plants, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds. As many censuses also relate the results to environmental variability, there is a chapter explaining the main methods. Finally, there is a list of the most common mistakes encountered when carrying out a census.

Genres: Ecology, Reference, Biology, Nonfiction

448 pages, Hardcover

First published March 29, 1996

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive and accessible guide to the many varied techniques for undertaking surveys for general biodiversity levels and for specific habitats and species. Sutherland runs through the basis of each technique, the best situations to apply them and the limitations and constraints, all in his usual clear and easy to follow approach. Even the statistical side of things is surprisingly easy to follow, although I did still need to read those bits a few times before it sunk in (stats have never been my strong point).