Bwabwata National Park Wet Season Game Count Objectives The game count was initiated in 1997 to complement dry season aerial surveys. The objectives are: Monitoring the Wet Season distribution of wildlife. To track population trend. Methods Transects placed 3 degrees apart, run in a north/south direction. Count teams walk these transects and navigate using a GPS. Teams are made up of a GPS operator, scribe and observers. Only live sightings and spoor less than a day old are recorded. Spoor observations are reliant on the tracking skills of the participants. Procedure 2. Planning ( day before count starts) Form technical group: MET wardens, rangers, senior CGG’s, IRDNC staff Check that all participants and vehicles have arrived. Delegate responsibilities i.e. food, vehicles, water etc. Plan Count Options: Option A or B (see logistics) Allocate participants according to above making sure that: a) Each team has a GPS operator and good trackers b) Each vehicle has someone who knows the area and the start and end points. 1. Precount Preparation Set dates with partners: MET, IRDNC,NNF, West Caprivi committee. Prepare game count forms. Prepare maps with routes and waypoints. Arrange required number of vehicles. Inform police and NDF based in West Caprivi. Arrange cooking utensils for the count and any other equipment needed. (see below) Check condition of access roads. 3. Training This is conducted the day before the count at Susuwe where the following aspects are covered: Objectives of the count. Method. GPS use, especially navigation. (practical session) Locating starting point of a transect. 5. Data Processing After completing the transect the team must: Summarise the data and copy their data onto the Blue count form After completing the count: The original Green count form is sent to Windhoek for archiving and entry into the database. Blue count form copy is filed in the community’s filing box 4. Deployment and Pickup Depending on the chosen option, teams deploy to their individual campsites or deploy from Susuwe moving to a new camp each day: Teams need to start walking at 07h30. Drivers must estimate travel time from campsite to starting point of transect. Maps will indicate the transect coordinates, end points and access roads. Teams must be picked up promptly after completing their transect. 6. Feedback Directly after the count: Trend graphs for all species are updated and shown to participants Discuss count with participants i.e. results, suggestions for the future, etc Make sure all count file copies are updated i.e. MET, NGO and Windhoek copies Logistics Food Option A: Each group is supplied with food for the days spent out. Option B: Whole group is catered for using cooks. Vehicles 8 vehicles for option A, but can be less if the area is counted by the whole team. (option B) Vehicles without long range tanks need to bring extra fuel. Availability of fuel at Kongola and Bagani needs to be conformed before the count. All vehicles must have gauze over radiator, 2 spare wheels, jack, wheel spanner, tyre levers and a pump. Count options To count 40 transects in 5 days: Option A. 8 teams split into 8 count areas. Option B. All teams operate as one unit counting 8 transects per day. Equipment Each group will need their own set of cooking utensils: pots, kettle, water containers or large pots are used to cater for the whole group. Clipboard with pen. GPS. Use Garmin 12’s and 45’s and ensure uploaded with waypoints. GPS for driver to find end of transect. 2 extra sets of batteries. (spare set must taken on transect) Maps of count areas showing waypoints. HF Radio. Game count file. GPS GOTO points are the blue numbered dots Implemented by NACSO, a partnership between Namibian NGO’s and Government Supported by USAID, WWF, SIDA & DFID