Global Mapping Technology Corvallis, Oregon Products and Training for GPS/GIS/SURVEY Tel:

Reintroducing the Gray Wolf to the Olympic Peninsula GPS/GIS Data Collection & Deer “Doo-Doo”

Background By 1930s or 1940s Olympic peninsula wolves were likely extinct. US congress appropriated funds ($250K*) to the US Fish and Wildlife Service to investigate wolf reintroduction to the peninsula. Focus was placed on prey base availability: Roosevelt elk and black tailed deer.

Objectives Develop population estimation technique for black tailed deer in dense forest of western Washington. Determine the abundance and distribution of black tailed deer on the peninsula to evaluate feasibility of wolf reintroduction.

Population Determination Traditional Techniques Direct observation (land, aerial) Spotlight transects Composition counts from deer observed while driving Pellet counts (this is where the doo doo comes in) Annual deer kills in hunting season

Problem Even the most quantitative approach to analyzing deer harvest numbers, only provides an index (rise and fall) to changing trends in population. There are virtually no reliable estimates of the actual true abundance of black tailed deer on the peninsula.

Key Aspects of a study Scope Methodology Study Design Data Collection – OUR FOCUS TODAY Analysis and results Refinement, if necessary

Proposed Methodology Use DNA genotyping from deer pellets collected along random transects to determine an unbiased estimate of the true population abundance of black-tailed deer on the Olympic peninsula.

Study Design A total of 12 one square mile sub-areas (geographic strata) were selected. Each plot was divided into 32 evenly spaced transacts along E/W direction and 32 evenly spaced along SW direction. Selected transacts are determined at random. Deer pellets collected from one set of transacts will used to “mark” known individual deer from each sub-area. Pellets collected during the second perpendicular set represent recaptures and new observations.

Area of Interest Study Area

GPS Data Collection Previously data collection was done with paper maps and paper forms. Location and data collection of the samples required more accurate positions and efficient data collection. GPS units were suggested as the primary GIS data collection tool. There are many types of GPS units available. Selection of the best “type” of GPS tool was evaluated.

GPS Receiver Summary

Resource Grade GPS Resource grade GPS units were selected for: –Accuracy; Post-processing support (1-5 meters) –Ability to assist in basic navigation to transects –Point, line and area in-field digitizing –Support of GIS data capture (“feature lists”) –Nested point capability. –Offset point capability. –Relative affordability

Offset & Nested Point Copyright CMT, Inc. Offset Point Example: 40 Feet Azimuth = 290 Slope = 0 occupy position Store offset Point Feature position Offsets are used to collect data that cannot be occupied with the GPS unit. A compass was used for bearing and distances were estimated from paper maps. Electronic laser range finders could be used in the future. Nested Point Example: Storing Line Store Point Continue Storing Line Nested points are used to collect point features while collecting a line or area. This was important for the study as it allowed continuous collection of transect line data and sample point data.

GPS Collection of Features NS and EW traveled transects were collected as “lines” in dynamic mode. Visible pellet samples on the transect line were collected as “nested points” in static mode. Some un-occupiable but visible pellet samples were collected as offset points.

Attributes Transects –Unique Transect ID Sample –Unique ID (Transect + Incremental Data) –Vegetation Classification Early (clear) Mid (medium size trees) Late (older, larger trees) Goto GPS Map

GIS Analysis and Preliminary Findings Pellet groups were readily detected on the transect lines but detection probability was significantly off the transect lines. Sampling techniques may need to be refined. Density: 78 deer per square kilometer – much higher than expected (possible flaw in pellet analysis?)

GIS Analysis and Preliminary Findings Pellet densities according to vegetation were significantly different. Early seral and late seral transect pellet densities were significantly greater than middle age. DNA evaluation inconclusive due to poor quality of samples. The study continues and the GIS evaluation to reintroduce the wolf marches on. Stay tuned for part 2.

Organizations of Interest Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (my special thanks to Shelly Snyder who provided much of this data United States Fish and Wildlife Service Corvallis Microtechnology Inc (CMT) Global Mapping Technology

Questions?

Global Mapping Technology Corvallis, Oregon Products and Training for GPS/GIS/SURVEY Tel: