Aerial Photographic Methods in Censuses of animals

Abstract

It is proposed that animal censuses must be accurate, quickly performed, and easily repeated (i.e. inexpensive) before they are to be of use in any practical sense. Against these criteria aerial photographic techniques have been evaluated, listing the advantageous and disadvantageous features of the method. Aerial photography is considered in the three types of situations if it is correctly used; (i) to supplement direct counting in total or sample censuses; (ii) to supply information on error to be used in correcting censuses; (iii) to photograph total populations in complete censuses. (iii) to photograph total populations in complete censuses. Three examples are given of these types of censuses. A number of guide-lines are laid down to assist those working in conservation to decide if aerial photography will improve their censuring methods, and if so which techniques are appropriate or necessary.