Manali Gokhale and Emily Bobrick

Located in Laikipia, Kenya Incorporates cattle ranching, wildlife, and research

Talk about endangered species in mpala

Conducted every six months Accounts for most mammal species excluding rodents and primates. Ostriches and bustards were also counted The most accurate estimation of populations Ongoing project starting in 2006

54 transects 2 kilometer paths Rangefinder, GPS and compass Vehicle-based Early morning and evening DISTANCE program

Ranger-based protocol Completed in one day Conducted from inside vehicle Only record numbers Expected to be less accurate, but cheaper

Population trends of endangered species Wild dogs vs. Impala and dik-dik Provides researchers with basic information about the Mpala Research Centre Finding the most accurate method of population estimation

Camera trap points set up at over 100 locations around Mpala Motion activated Lets us see animals at night and away from the roads Year-round collection We even saw an aardvark!

Trade-offs between vigilance and other activities, such as grazing Suspected behavior difference between sexes males vs. lactating females vs. non-lactating females Plains vs. Grevy’s

10 minute observation periods Record one or two zebras per person Distance of 100+ meters Varying group size, bush density, group composition, etc. Used Excel to calculate time allocated to different activities

Professor Dan Rubenstein and Nancy Rubenstein Transect Team: Enock Ochieng, Francis Lemojo, Tim O’Brien, Tanai, Galen Ogg, Mireille Beijjani Max Silver Margaret Kinnaird Mpala Research Centre Princeton Environmental Institute