Ecological Census Techniques 2ed

By William J. Sutherland

Book Overview

This is an updated version of the best selling first edition, Ecological Census Techniques, with updating, some new chapters and authors. Almost all ecological and conservation work involves carrying out a census or survey. This practically focussed book describes how to plan a census, the practical details and shows with worked examples how to analyse the results. The first three chapters describe planning, sampling and the basic theory necessary for carrying out a census. In the subsequent chapters international experts describe the appropriate methods for counting plants, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds. As many censuses also relate the results to environmental variability, there is a chapter explaining the main methods. Finally, there is a list of the most common mistakes encountered when carrying out a census.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521606365
• ISBN13: 9780521606363
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 446 Pages
• Weight: 2.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.4" x 9.8"

Customer Reviews

Quite Useful

I used this book for an undergrad research project in tropical forests as well as for a course in censusing techniques. I liked the way it was written and how it explained why each method was used. I did find that it didn't go into great depth for any one application and didn't provide much in the way of statistical analyses, but it was very clear about the undertaking of these projects. For an introduction to various methods it is excellent, but I think it should be supplemented with a more advanced and analytic text.

Excellent book for students

This is an excellent book for the studying ecologist or field biologist, a professional would certainly want more, such as Techniques for Wildlife Investigation and Management by the Wildlife Society. This handbook is just that and it offers the basics for just about any survey. For undergraduates interested in independent studies or grad students just getting started, this is your book. It will guide you through everything from sampling techniques based on specific classes (ie fishes, amphibians, etc.) to statistical analysis and common errors.

Ecological Censusing Techniques

This book is useful and unbiased. It covers both animal and plant censuing. I found it very useful and informational.