Images (c) Rory Hill
Description
Wildlife Survey Field Methods (WSFM) is a fully online, applied three-day course that provides an introduction and overview for nine ground-based and five aerial-based wildlife survey methods. Using live online instruction, demonstrations, and student-led field exercises, participants learn to conduct ground-based surveys using direct observation of individuals and measurement of animal signs such as scat and tracks.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Conduct nine (9) ground-based wildlife survey methods
- Conduct five (5) aerial wildlife survey methods
- Identify wildlife, tracks and behaviour
- Choose appropriate survey methods based on target species and seasonal timing
- Install, operate and maintain camera traps
- Determine age and sex of animals
- Interpret sign of animal presence
- Measure trackways to aid in interpreting animal behaviour
- Attract and bait animals to detect presence
Prerequisites
Knowledge and experience with basic field tools such as map, compass and GPS is recommended.
Each NRTG course includes free, lifetime admission. Enrol once – come back anytime.
Who attends?
Professionals beginning their careers or seeking instruction protocols, indigenous partners, and anyone seeking a general introduction to a variety of large mammal wildlife scientific survey methods.
How do I Attend?
This course is available via our website schedule, or on contract to companies, community groups or organizations. Interested groups or organizations can also arrange for an ‘in-house’ or contract delivery of this program. For further information, please contact us.
Check our course schedule page for upcoming course deliveries.
What do I bring or supply?
For online training, provide your own computer and a stable internet connection, writing supplies for taking notes are also recommended. For the in-person course format, provide a waterproof field notebook (example), suitable all-weather boots, appropriate clothing for field work. Binoculars, GPS and compass are optional but recommended.
For further information, or for further assistance, please contact NRTG.
Course Customization
The WSFM course can be customized for an organization, company or Aboriginal group based on their needs. For instance, this course can focus on specific animal species of interest or regions or time-of-year surveys (e.g., summer vs winter surveys).
Please contact us with your ideas and needs, and we’ll work with you to design and customize this course to meet specific needs.
Course Format
This course is available in two formats:
- The fully online self-paced program is available in NRTG’s feature-rich Learning Management System (LMS). The online modules allow students to learn at their own pace and convenience; and field exercises are completed independently by students in a convenient location.
- The WSFM course is three days in duration and includes a combination of online classroom theory and student-led field exercises. Each course day includes online classroom and field training with a strong emphasis on ‘hands on’ training, where participants review, learn and practice field skills under the direction of a highly qualified wildlife biologist. This course is typically delivered weekdays and may extend 8:30am to 4:30pm or longer. Custom or ‘in-house’ course deliveries to an organization or company may vary in format.
Instructor Profile
Sean Mitchell, PhD, RP Bio
Fisheries Biologist
Sean has worked in and studied the field of biology and impact assessment since 1987 and in that time has gained experience in four Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland) working on a broad array of fish and wildlife, from periphyton to mammals. Sean’s experience has ranged widely from basic fieldwork to experimental biomechanics of crustaceans; from environmental impact analyses and fisheries issues through biogeography, philosophy, and sophisticated data analyses and modelling; from forests to the ocean. Sean has been, and strives to remain, a generalist in a world of hyper specialization and fascination with technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
NRTG offers this course online almost monthly in an online format year-round. It can also be requested to be delivered in-person within a community or company. This course is offered in two forms: as three consecutive days or over five evenings spaced over two and a half weeks. The first approach is intended for students able to dedicate three days to the course and the second is for those that prefer to take the course outside of regular working hours. Please refer to our Schedule page for course timing and locations.
The course is offered via two formats: online or in community. The on-line delivery includes students from a broad geographic region and consists of approximately half morning lectures (via Zoom) and half independent completion of assigned exercises outdoors in the afternoon. That is, exercises are completed by the individual, not as a group or class. Following exercises, the class reconvenes on Zoom to discuss the assigned activity and findings. In-community deliveries are structured similarly but the instructor is in the field with the class and the activities are group- or class-based rather than completed individually.
Field gear is not required to be purchased for online or in-person deliveries.
Course fees will vary by course delivery location. For further information, please contact us or refer to our Course Schedule Page.