Fieldwork

The purpose and importance of fieldwork

In ecology, the purpose of fieldwork is to allow for the collection of real-world data in a natural setting. The collection of real-world data is vital to understanding the current status of and threats to ecosystems.

Fieldwork also allows for the capture and physical assessment of individual organisms and interviews with local residents to determine local attitudes toward and utilisation of the target species. There are generally two types of fieldwork in ecology- direct surveys and indirect surveys.

Fieldwork supplies

The supplies used in fieldwork depend mainly upon the kind of fieldwork being conducted and what you are collecting.

If you need to capture animals for biological data collection, you may also require the necessary equipment for efficient and safe capture, such as notes, nets or even cages.

In modern fieldwork, drones are being used more frequently, particularly in wildlife fieldwork, since drones allow for viewing areas inaccessible on foot or by vehicle. Some researchers also use camera traps placed strategically in a species' habitat in order to help determine its presence and status.

Fieldwork research

Fieldwork requires a fair amount of preparation in advance, particularly research. In ecology, you may need to research the available literature and previously collected data to ensure that you are not conducting fieldwork in a recently assessed location for the same reason.

Prior to conducting your fieldwork:

• It is necessary to ensure that you have all of the proper permits to conduct fieldwork in the given area.

• You also need to map out the location extensively, measuring whichever trails or waterways you may be utilising for movement.

• Understanding local climate and weather patterns are vital to ensure you conduct the fieldwork during the correct time of year for your target ecosystem or species.

• Additionally, knowing what potential hazards you may face, such as mosquito-borne illnesses (e.g., malaria and dengue fever) and civil conflict, and what animal species may be present (e.g., threatened species whose presence you should make a note of) is essential for your safety.

• Lastly, you will want to be sure you understand the local culture and customs. This is of particular importance if you are planning on conducting interviews with local residents.

Methods of fieldwork

While out in the field, collecting data is the name of the game. The methods used when conducting fieldwork include:

Observation involves collecting data from watching organisms and/or their habitat. Observation plays a vital role in fieldwork and may include activities such as directly watching wildlife and reviewing video recordings from camera traps. While collecting data, the information observed may consist of predator-prey relationships, response to anthropogenic pressures (such as encroachment), response to invasive species, and much more.

Sampling involves the collection of data in the field. This may include the collection of individual organisms, biological samples (such as blood or faeces), abiotic material (such as water), and more.

There are generally considered to be three types of sampling techniques:

• Random sampling, where there is an equal chance of obtaining any specific type of sample within a given area.

• Stratified sampling involves dividing an area into specific habitat "zones" and the collection of samples from each zone.

• Systematic sampling involves the collection of samples along an environmental gradient.

Fieldwork example

Borneo is the world's third largest island and consists of portions of three countries- two Malaysian states, five Indonesian provinces, and the small country of Brunei.

Three crocodilian species are native to Borneo:

• the widely distributed saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus),

• the Critically Endangered Siamese crocodile (C. siamensis),

• and the Endangered false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii).

Given its unique crocodilian composition, Lake Mesangat has been the site of extensive fieldwork over the past two decades to determine the size, status, and threats to both species. One such fieldwork expedition was conducted from 2010 to 2011 to assess the status of the Siamese crocodile precisely.

Preparation and research were required before the fieldwork commenced.

• The wetland's location and natural history were noted, and its climate - wet and dry seasons - where water and floating vegetation levels fluctuate considerably.

  This information is vital to conducting successful surveys.

• The species of vegetation present were also noted, particularly vegetation of concern to the species being studied, such as floating grass maps, lilies, and invasive Salvinia cucullata (a type of floating fern).

  These can affect nesting viability and survey visibility.

• Potential threats were also noted, including an oil palm plantation.

The fieldwork consisted of nocturnal spotlight surveys for crocodile "eye-shines" from a boat, as this is the most effective way to assess crocodilian populations.

• Surveys were conducted in dry and wet seasons since population densities and encounter rates would likely vary considerably between the two seasons due to differences in water and vegetation levels.

• During the surveys, GPS coordinates were taken at the beginning and end, as well as at the location of each crocodile encountered.

Ultimately, a total area of 20 km² was surveyed, and a total of 43 crocodiles were seen, including 24 of which could be confirmed as Siamese crocodiles (the others were labelled E.O. ["Eyes Only"] and could have been Siamese crocodiles or false gharial).

Using different models to extrapolate, the total population of Siamese crocodiles in Lake Mesangat was estimated to be between 52 and 130 individuals.

Figure 2: A wildlife biologist collects biometric data from a young crocodile during fieldwork. Source: Brandon Sideleau, own work