Field Notes – Using Data Loggers for Species Monitoring

In Community Science, Featured, Frogs, Nature Reserves & Easements, News, Species at Risk by couchiching

In the expansive landscapes of our region, nature whispers its secrets…but who is there to hear their calls? A key aspect of monitoring for species at risk are inventories. Some are conducted by staff, and there is also on-going monitoring by trained Community Science volunteers. But what about the times when there is no one present to hear species calling or singing? That is when data loggers come in.

Tanya Clark, Fundraising and Engagement Manager, recently joined Aiesha Aggarwal, Conservation Analyst, to learn about the Conservancy’s use of data loggers for conservation science and monitoring.

One of the key species we are hoping to hear in this area is Western Chorus Frogs. These tiny amphibians possess a remarkable ability to fill the night air with their melodious calls, signaling the arrival of spring in the wetlands and meadows they inhabit. They serve as vital indicators of ecosystem health and rich biodiversity.

Protecting the habitat of this species is not merely about preserving a delightful chorus; it’s about safeguarding the intricate web of life that sustains us all. Their wetland homes provide crucial ecosystem services, from purifying water to mitigating floods and supporting diverse flora and fauna.

Through such dedicated efforts, the conservancy is not just protecting a species; it’s preserving the very essence of our region’s natural heritage for generations to come.