Focal Animal Sampling: Flamingo Video

!!! the writer should discuss the flamingo video only.!!!
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Appropriate sampling methods allow you to collect accurate data that reflects actual behavior. In this assignment, you will practice three types of sampling methods to observe animal behavior. You will design your own data collection sheet, which will be divided into 3 sections, one for each method of sampling. These videos are found in this Week's Learning Materials.
Ad libitum (Penguin Video)
Focal Animal (Flamingo Video)
Scan Sampling (Alcid Video)
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Tips: For each of these methods, you may create your own worksheet or, if it is easier, you may handwrite as you go. However, for accessibility, please transfer that information to a Word Document. If necessary, rewrite initial data records in whatever way allows for clarity for other readers, however do not alter content. Submit your data records and make sure to clearly label:
The title of each video
Any appropriate timestamps
Any information you feel may be pertinent, such as time of day, weather, etc.
Remember at this stage, we are not assuming to know WHY an animal is doing something, just WHAT they are doing. If an animal is no longer visible, do not assume what they are doing. Only gather information that you can observe!
Practice All Animals, Ad Libitum sampling with the video titled “Penguins”. The animals visible in this video are Humboldt penguins, found in South America. Remember that with this type of sampling, there are no constraints. You are recording what you see that you feel is relevant. It is up to you how you label individuals, groups or activities. Your data records need to be typed. Gather data on the entire two minutes of the video.
Next, you will practice Focal Animal, Continuous sampling with the video titled “Flamingos”. Imagine this is the first day this individual bird has been allowed into the exhibit, and the flamingo managers want to make sure she is acclimating well. Document all behavior of the individual Greater Flamingo (circled here) at the start of the video. Only document the behavior of other individuals if they interact with your focal animal or their behavior directly affects the animal you are observing. Gather data for the entire two minutes of the video.
Finally, to practice All Animal, Scan Sampling with the video titled “Alcids”.
In this video, you will see Common Mures, Tufted Puffins and Common Puffins, all members of the Alcidae family. For the purpose of this assignment, you do not need to identify the different species when documenting behavior. Record what is happening at each 10-second interval, record for the entire two minutes of video, starting at 00:10, 00:20….02:00, for a total of 12 (Twelve) intervals.
For your Initial post, attach your data sheet showing all three methods of data recording. In 150-200 words, reflect briefly on your experience with the different data collection methods. Which method did you prefer? Which did you find the most challenging? With your Course Project in mind, what method would be most applicable to your behavior modification plan?
Let’s imagine that you are assigned to a project with the Alcids you are observing in this week’s assignment. The Zoological Manager wants to create an enrichment device that encourages the birds to spend more time in the water. But first, you need to have an idea of how much time they spend in the water already. You want your data to be reliable, so you and your colleague decide to observe the animals together, but independently collect data, and compare your results. This will give you baseline data for how much time the alcids are spending in the water during the designated observation period.
For calculating baseline data:
Calculate what percentage of animals were in the water out of total visible animals at each interval. Do not count any animals that are not visible, even if you believe they are just out of view. For example, if 3 animals were in the water, and 4 were not, you should use the formula:
3/7= .43 (round up to the nearest second decimal)
Multiply this number by 100 for a percentage (.43 * 100 = 43%)
Record your observed percentage of animals in the water for each interval.