A project by:
A network of observation stations to monitor wildlife at European scale
A network of “observation points” provided by collaborators from all European Countries capable to monitor wildlife population at European level. It is funded by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through the project ENETWILD.
The aims of the EOW are to provide:
Guidance on abundance estimation methods and protocols, initially, focusing on terrestrial mammals
Support and training, facilitating field design, data processing and analysis
Independent information on wildlife population abundance and trends over time at European level
The approach of the EOW is...
Progressive.
Initially, beyond mere data generation, it is essential to generate networking and harmonize the approach among partners in as many European coountries as possible.
In the long term, the analyses of population trends will be able to guide proactively investigators and wildlife policy making
Science Based.
Integrate
Since different wildlife monitoring frameworks should meet at the different study sites of the observatory to achieve integrated monitoring
Interdisciplinary, multisectorial and institucional.
A network of observation points to harmoniously monitor wildlife at European scale
Initially, the EOW prioritizes the inclusion of different study areas representing all European countries and bioregions, contact us if you are interested to join at project.enetwild@uclm.es
Further, the design of the observatory will be optimized to provide representative unbiased estimates of population trends
Integrative, Interdisciplinary, multi-sectoral, multi-institutional wildlife monitoring approach, initially focused on terrestrial mammals, and willing to meet other wildlife monitoring frameworks at the different study sites.
Monitoring applying systematic and rigorous protocols, however, not at odds with the fact that it can be applied routinely and easily.
How?
1. Promoting networking applying harmonized wildlife population monitoring
Initial inclusion of different study areas representing all European countries.
2. Improvement of the Observatory
Further, the design of the observatory (nº & distributions of study sites) will be optimized to provide representative unbiased estimates of population trends.
3. Trend data for wildlife (terrestrial mammals)
Trend data will be openly published ana a forum for partners and collaborators will address developing integrated monitoring
4. Integrated Monitoring
Wildlife monitoring integrates different taxa and ecological variables (integrated monitoring) such as wildlife diseases
Monitoring applying systematic and rigorous protocols.
Harmonized: information recorded following scientific-technical standards to establish comparisons.
Continuous coordination, supporting and feedback to all observation points
Figure above. Initially, the EOW is born prioritizing the initial inclusion of different study areas representing all European countries. Initially, beyond the population data generated by the observation points, it is key to promote networking applying harmonized wildlife population monitoring at European level, as a pilot experience. Further, the design of the observatory (number and distributions of study sites) will be optimized to provide representative unbiased estimates of population trends.
Main aims
To generate and provide information and unbiased trends on population abundance for those developing, adopting, implementing and evaluating enviromental policy in europe.
To provide sound, independet guidance on methods and protocols for those involved in implmenting wildlife monitoring, in close collaboration with European Institutions.
To develop a network alive for wildlife monitoring, incorporating different stakeholders, such as regional and national administrations, game, protected areas and research Institutions.
Supporting observation points, providing training and facilitating field design, data processing and analysis.
Focused on mammals but looking to integrate other taxa and ecological variables and integrated monitoring (wildlife diseases).
To improve population abundance estimation protocols, calibrating methods, incorporating information technology and citizen science.
Highlight areas and recommendations for action working, the inequalities existing in wildlife population monitoring over Europe.
Become a member of the Observatory
The EOW is a collaborative initiative opened to professionals, researchers, administrations (from local to European), NGOs, etc. (referred to as collaborators), willing to contribute by providing at least one observation point for wildlife (terrestrial mammal) monitoring.
The EOW provides to collaborators:
- Resources in form of camera traps in case of need by the collaborator and availability by the project
- Online training.
- Protocols to estimate wildlife density based on camera trapping without need of capture/recapture. Other density estimation methods can be validated according to ENETWILD guidances
- Continuous assessment on study design, implementation in the field, data processing and analysis
- Update on new developments of methods so as new tools for data processing and analysis. We expect information technology tools, including artificial intelligence for image processing, and a friendly to use online module for data analysis, to be available by 2022
- Participation in networking activities, such as conferences and webinars
- Access and participation in reports and publications
Image credits: S. Marijuan
The COLLABORATORS contribute to the EOW:
- Providing details of the study area.
- Implementing the field protocol in the study area.
- Processing and analyzing data following the indications of the project.
- Reporting to their activities.
We all benefit from a collaborative approach
The work and contribution of collaborators will be done in a framework where data will be comparable, interoperable, and openly accessed at European level
Continuous networking will allow continuous on live exchange of experiences and optimization of efforts; contribute and benefit!
Possibility of access to resources to implement a field study in the incorporated observation points/s and data analysis, if collaborators are short of them.
Continuous training, support, and assessment at any stage of the process of wildlife monitoring (density estimation): study design, implementation in the field, data processing and analysis
Access to updated protocols to estimate wildlife density. The project continuously updates protocols (making them more practical) as new developments of methods come, so as will provide new tools for data processing and analysis. We expect information technology tools, including artificial intelligence for image processing, and a friendly to use online module for data analysis, to be available by 2022
Composition of the consortium
