How do we use data for conservation? Data Demons

We have seen how scientists in the field attach and use GPS technology to record information and data. How does this help us understand more about species? Let’s get thinking…

Look at the map showing data collected from two tortoises that live in the lowlands of Santa Cruz. Data is recorded monthly to track the movement of the tortoises. Can you see the area of agricultural land in the highlands? What differences can you see between the plots recorded for Jumbo and Nigrita?

As well as recording tortoise movements using GPS, scientists also record weather information, such as temperature and amount of rainfall. They can use this data to identify whether there is any correlation between the movements of tortoises and the weather. You will be given a set of data from the area you have seen on the map, Cerro Fatal in Santa Cruz. The data shows rainfall for the year Using this data you will work out total rainfall and plot the results on a graph. You will then find out if there is a pattern between rainfall and tortoise movements.

Now you have completed your graphs and identified which months the warm and cool seasons are, we are going to look back at the movement data to find the link between rainfall patterns and tortoise movement. Let’s look at the plots for Jumbo. What do you notice? In the cool, dry season food becomes scarce in the lowlands where the tortoises live. Low rainfall means some plants will die from lack of water. In the agricultural area of the Highlands however, there are mists and fog called garua. Here the plants are more likely to survive and thrive. This helps explain why tortoises migrate in search of food. Looking at the map, can you identify which of Jumbo’s plots are from which season? Now have a go at answering Question 4 on your sheet. What about Nigrita? Why doesn’t she migrate? Have a chat with your learning partner about your ideas…..

The lack of food in the lowlands means that tortoises migrate up to 10km to the highlands to feed. More male tortoises than females migrate. Only fully grown tortoises migrate. The young tortoises stay in the lowlands until they are big enough to make the journey. Female tortoises remain in the lowlands until they lay their eggs, then some of them also migrate to the highlands. As soon as the rainy season begins, tortoises rush (well, as rushed as a tortoise is…) back to the lowlands to feast on the succulent vegetation that grows there.