Biodiversity Baseline on a Scottish Estate
Scaling the use of bioacoustics, eDNA and camera traps for biodiversity monitoring in Scotland
The Problem
This 2,600 ha private estate is famous for its rich wildlife, including red squirrels, pine martens and threatened birds like black grouse. It can be costly and time consuming to monitor population change and conservation impact using traditional approaches
Large, remote landscape with limited access
Requirement to accurately monitor many species, from birds to mammals and fish
Transparent data like videos and audio can transparently communicate conservation success
Ambitious owners interested in a technology approach
Our Solution
We deployed 52 cameras, 18 bioacoustic sensors and sampled eDNA in freshwater lochs during a three month period. The entire project only required nine days in the field with two ecologists deploying sensors and collecting samples
Minimal fieldwork leads to reduced disturbance and minimal manpower
Sensors are active 24/7, improving the probability of detecting rare or elusive species
HD videos and audio provide transparent data for communication and stakeholder engagement via our Biodiversity Dashboard
We used geospatial statistics to map the distribution of multiple threatened mammals and birds, and recorded several new species for the Estate.
The full service - from fieldwork to reporting - was excellent. We look forward to working with Okala on future projects.
Cameron Main
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