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
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•
•
•
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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
1. Precount Preparation
•
Set dates with partners: MET,
IRDNC,NNF, West Caprivi
committee.
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Prepare game count forms.
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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.
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.
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Plan Count Options:
•
Option A or B (see logistics)
•
Allocate participants according to above making sure that:
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a) Each team has a GPS operator and good trackers
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b) Each vehicle has someone who knows the area and the start
and end points.
6. Feedback
Directly after the count:
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Trend graphs for all species are
updated and shown to participants
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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
5. Data Processing
After completing the transect the team
must:
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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
3. Training
This is conducted the day before the count at Susuwe where
the following aspects are covered:
•
Objectives of the count.
•
Method.
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GPS use, especially navigation. (practical session)
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Locating starting point of a transect.
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.
Logistics
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.
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
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.
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.