Radiotelemetry InstructionsCURRENT SQUIRREL RADIOLIST OVERVIEW Demographic
data will be collected from a radio-marked squirrel population on the Texas A&M main campus via telemetry and population
censusing. These data will be used for
the final class project. The intent of
the research project is to reinforce concepts in population ecology. You will track squirrels at least once a
semester. If you like, you can
radio-track more than once. Sign-up
sheet will be distributed during class.
When it is your turn to radio-track, do the following: INSTRUCTIONS 1.
The
approximate time required to relocate all squirrels will be 2-4 hours, so plan
accordingly. 2.
Download
the list of the current radio-collared squirrels (see above link). Telemetry
forms are available in the back of your coursebook. Be
sure to bring your book when your radiotracking or
download the appropriate forms from the website. 3.
For
your assigned day, check out a receiver and antenna from Thelma Johnson in room
204, Nagle Hall. If she is not around,
go to the department’s main office as ask for assistance. You
will need your student ID or driver’s license. 4.
Relocate
each squirrel on your list and fill out the telemetry form for a given
grid. If you recall, campus is divided
into 30 10-ha grids (see coursebook or website for
details). 5.
On
each telemetry form, fill out the appropriate information on the top of the
form. Please note,
not all telemetry forms may be used depending on where squirrels are found. 6.
At
the bottom of each form used, fill in the information about the (1) squirrel
number, (2) whether a squirrel was seen or not (visual vs. homing), (3) status
(alive, dead, or collar recovered), and (4) tree tag number if seen in tree. The coordinates will be obtained via the GIS
once you are done in the field. 7.
Once
you are finished radio tracking, please
return tracking equipment that day
or the next business day. Please be
careful with the equipment, it is your responsibility. 8.
Go
to the course website under the squirrel project. Using the Geographical Information System
(GIS) from the website, determine the x-coordinate
and y-coordinate for each location
using the online campus map. Using the
zoom function, go to the area were you found a squirrel. Zoom in to the point where the tree tags are
displayed. Map coordinates will be
displayed in the lower left-hand area of your browser’s window. The first coordinate will be 75xxxx (x-coordinate),
the second will be 33xxxxx (y-coordinate). Write these numbers on your telemetry forms. 9.
Tear
telemetry forms out of your lab book and submit forms to Thelma Johnson (Rm.
204, Nagle Hall) for credit. 10. If you have any problems
tracking, email Roel Lopez (roel@tamu.edu)
as soon as possible. Any animals you
cannot find should be noted and a message sent to him. |