The HOs were shown how to use functional smart phone applications such as Tracking the Wild and African Raptor Observations. Both applications allow you to record sightings such as mammals and birds of prey respectively. After a few initial explanations, the group was engaged in this new form of animal tracking. Links to both websites are displayed below should you wish to learn more.
www.trackingthewild.com
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fluidfacades.habitatinfo.rapterobs&hl=en
(Please note that the African Raptors Observation App is currently only available on Android)
The group wrapped up with a session focusing on the Animal Demography Unit (ADU) which allows birders, froggers and butterfly enthusiasts to log their sightings on a scientific database. With most of the group being keen birders, we feel that we as a group can contribute greatly to this initiative. This data bank allows for long-term species tracking and monitoring which is vital for conservation efforts throughout the Southern African Region. A partnership with the University of Cape Town has lead to citizen science projects such as CWAC counts (Coordinated Water Bird Counts) and MyBirdPatch which are accessible to all throughout the country. The link to the main website can be found below:
www.adu.org.za
