Data Collection

Point count stations were placed systematically in various parts of the park, based on the frequency of human interaction with the areas. A cumulative total of five point count stations was established: Point count station 1: This is located beside a children’s playground where human activity is normally high. Point count station 2: Along a trail that goes toward a dining establishment; typically having low to moderate levels of human activity. Point count station 3: On a park bench in the middle of a flat, grassy area with much tree cover where human activity is generally moderate to high. Point count station 4: Along a trail where human disturbance is generally low to moderate. Point count station 5: On a bench in a grassy area next to a theatre where human activity is usually moderate. The spacing between each point count station was approximately 200 meters, except for stations 1 and 5, which were 120 meters apart. Each point count station covered a radius of 30 meters and was counted for a period of exactly 10 minutes. One replicate consists of the entire set of observations made at all 5 point count stations and 10 replicates were gathered in total. One problem that I have is ensuring I have enough observations at point count stations when human activity is high. I have noticed that when there is more people around, I do see a slight increase in squirrel counts.

 

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