|
Training and capacity building are a part of many of my projects. Here are some examples of the types of training I have conducted. |
-
Carnivore Monitoring
 This course was developed in support of a long-term carnivore monitoring project established at Khao Yai National Park in Thailand in 2003. The course combines theoretical classroom lectures, practical sessions, and field exercises to introduce participants to carnivore surveys and monitoring.
The 12-day field and classroom course consists of eight major training modules ranging from survey and monitoring techniques to sign identification to field navigation using the Global Positioning System (GPS).
Specific topics include:
- Diversity and ecology of carnivores in the Khao Yai forest complex
- Field identification of carnivores and carnivore signs
- Field techniques to determine and quantify: carnivore presence, spatial distribution, relative abundance, and increases and decreases in the population over time
- Field navigation using compass, map and Global Positioning Systems (GPS)Data entry and management in a personal computer
- Analysis and interpretation of field data
The course includes a four-day field research exercise in which two groups (each made up of trainees and instructors) surveyed remote areas. Participants plan the field exercise including identifying potential survey routes that could be feasibly surveyed given the available time. During the field survey, participants practice skills acquired during the classroom portion of the course such as navigating with a GPS unit, setting camera traps, identifying animal track and sign, and recording data accurately and consistently. Finally, as a capstone activity participants assemble a field survey report.
-
Rapid Assessment of PA Priorities Through Mapping
The primary objective
of this workshop is to explore spatial aspects of protected area management
by interactively mapping values and threats in protected areas.
Intended
outcomes of a RAPPMap workshop are that:
1. Focal
values and threats of each protected area are identified,
2. Protected
area managers at both the protected area and national level understand the
importance of spatially explicit information.
3. Those
interested in exploring the role of mapping in the RAPPAM process benefit from
the experience in terms of evaluating its value and possibly including it in
future RAPPAM assessments.
-
Tiger and Tiger Prey Survey and Monitoring Methods
 This workshop was developed to teach a range of field and analytical skills necessary for survey and monitoring tiger and tiger prey populations in a tropical forest environment.
Rather than prescribe specific methods, the course introduces participants to a range of potetntial methods that they carry out in a field setting. Results and experiences are then reviewed within a management needs and constraints framework.
The 7 day curriculum covers the following topics:
- The Global Positioning System and Collection and Management of Spatial Data
- Mammal and Mammal Sign Recognition and Documentation
- Selecting Survey Methods
- Recce - Patrol Surveys
- Pellet/Dung Count Methods
- Distance Sampling Methods
- Camera Trapping
- Carnivore Scat Analysis
- Tiger Capture and Immobilization
- Telemetry, GPS, and Satellite Collars: Ecological Research and Monitoring Approaches
- Tiger Habitat Evaluation and Monitoring
- Protected Area Management for the Conservation of Tigers
- Ecosystem Management
|
