Statistics Seminars 2005-2006
9 December 2005 M502 3:00pm
Joe Chapman
(visiting from University of New South Wales)
Rare Species Surveys
Abstract
Rare species surveys are required by law in Canada before large scale
building work can be carried out. Environment Canada, (DEFRA's Canadian counterpart) has a list of rare species of
plants, the presence or absence of which must be recorded before permission can
be granted.
Canada has an area of approximately 10 million square kilometres, and
the size of the plots that need searching are often very large, and it is
impossible for a complete census to be carried out, or for only one spotter to
be used. Also, rare species are uncommon by definition, and can be difficult to
recognise because of lack of familiarity, assuming they are located.
Two problems will be discussed in the seminar. One, the need for a
"Rare Plant Spotter Accreditation Test", to ensure the ability of
those sent into the field; and two, the effect of changing the number of
spotters used. The issue of the sampling method required will also be
mentioned.
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