SEE-U 2000: Black Rock Forest - Module 1:Exercise 1

## Exercise 1: Global Biomes and Introduction to Recent Technology
Module 1: Introduction to Global Biomes

### Your Questions

1. How does biodiversity compare between Black Rock Forest and biomes worldwide?
2. How are Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) incorporated into current field ecology and conservation biology?

### Background

EDF is one type of biome in the world. Others exist and they vary considerably in their biodiversity. Causes of this diversity are not always clear but may include such factors as primary productivity, latitude, altitude, and precipitation, among other abiotic factors. We begin today’s lab by examining various biomes in the world in the context of range of biodiversity they contain.

The second half of today’s lab focuses on how two relatively recent techniques have become central to conducting ecological and conservation research. The first of these techniques is GPS, which allows one to pinpoint exact localities from virtually anywhere in the world based on signals received from multiple orbiting satellites. This will be demonstrated by using GPS systems to identify the exactly locality of denning and radiocollared raccoons.

GIS consists of computer hardware and software designed for the input, storage, manipulation, and output of data referenced by a common system of spatial coordinates such as GPS localities. The function of a GIS is to permit data on many sets of variables over a specified geographic area to be combined or manipulated to answer questions about spatial relationships. The GIS enables the results of such analyses, as well as any of the data sets themselves, to be printed out in map form. For example, a GIS might combine data on climate, soils, and slope to create a map of land suitability for raccoon population.

### Your Assignment

This assignment involves three tasks:

1. Using biodiversity data from other biomes, rank relative measures of biodiversity for different biomes. (2 hrs)
2. Learn the basics of GPS technology. (1 hr)
3. Meet up with a visiting researcher who will discuss radiotelementry techniques. Assist researcher in gaining GPS localities for raccoon dens at BRF. (3 hr)
4. Using GIS, overlay these data points on a map of BRF and identify critical raccoon habitat. (1 hr)
5. Write-up and discuss results (1 hrs).

Task one will involve a group lecture and discussion in the morning and analysis of data in the evening. Data will be obtained from the literature and/or the other participating SEE-U biomes.

Task two will be a lecture and hands-on use of GPS at various sites in BRF.

Task three will be performed in coordination with Dr. Matthew Gompper, Assistant Professor at Columbia University.

Task four through six involves using the GPS coordinates for the raccoon dens, layering this data onto a BRF GIS and determining critical habitat for raccoons at BRF.

### Objectives

1. Reflect on the biodiversity of the Eastern Deciduous Forest relative to other biomes.
2. Gain insight into modern radiotelemetry techniques
3. Gain expertise in GPS technology and use it in the field
4. Gain expertise is GIS software and its use.

### Key Skills

1. Gain an understanding of the diversity of local communities in the context of global levels of biodiversity
2. Familiarity with GPS and GIS techniques
3. Ability to collect GPS data in the field.
4. Use of GIS analyses.

### Timetable

1. Total elapsed time to perform the experiment : One day
   - Set-up, travel to and from field sites, guided overview of GPS and radiotelemetry, and guided (with M. Gompper) search for raccoon dens.
   - Return from sites, guided overview of GIS, raccoon data entry and analyses
2. Total elapsed hands-on time : approximately Eight hours
   Day 1:
   - Opening lecture = 1 hour
   - GPS use instruction = 1 hour
   - Travel to field, identify raccoon dens = 2 hours Return to lab = 1 hr
   - GIS use instruction, data entry = 2 hrs
   - Summarization, writing, and discussion with instructor = 1 hour

### Procedural Notes

1. Appropriate field gear (hat, sunscreen, bug spray, water) needed for extended stay in forest.
2. Dr. Gompper will run raccoon field study component and supply radiotelemetry demonstration equipment.

### Materials Needed

1. Field notebook and writing instruments
2. Topographic maps
3. GPS units
4. ArcView software and hardware to run it