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Group Scans
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At approx 10 min intervals, assess all the otters visible in the camera. For each group scan:
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1. Note the date and time
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2. Count and record the total number of adult/independant otters.
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3. Count and record total number of moms with pups
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4. Count and record the total number of independants hauled out
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5. Count and record the total number of mom-pup pairs that are hauled out
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6. Record the total number of independants in the water
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7. Record the total number of mom-pups in the water
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8. Finally, of the ones in the water, count how many are resting, swimming, or diving
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Individual Scans
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In between group scans, pick an individual adult or mom-pup pair to observe and record it's behavior every minute (you may have multiple Xs for the same scan, for example, it could feed and groom, etc.).
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1. Pick an otter and assign it a number (#1 for the first one you watch) and put this in the otter number column
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2. Note whether it is in the water or hauled out
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3. If there is a pup with the adult (within a few feet), note size as percentage of mom's size. Only leave the pup size column blank if there is no pup (blanks will be recorded as adults without pups).
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4. Write down start time
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5. Watch and record the otter's behavior for one minute. Put an X in each behavior box that the otter does.
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6. Voila, you've done one scan! Now do it again!
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7. Try to do 10 scans of the same individual (#1), and then move on to another one (#2). After 10 scans of #2, if you still have time and there are more animals, do #3.
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*For the Individual Scans, since this is a class exercise you could have them split up into groups and have each group watch a different otter
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After the observation period is over (e.g. 10 scans per otter), the class could get together and share what they saw for their otter
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General Information
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Abbreviations
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Ind=Independants
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M/P= mom- pup pair
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Pup = <80% of the adult's size
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Male = Look for baculum bump between hips. Males typically larger than females. Males will often move from one individual to another sniffing individuals in the group.
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Copulation=lots of nose biting, splashes, and otters on top of each other.
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** If you are unsure about anything record notes in the comments section**
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There is one copy of the Group and Individual Scan datasheets to remain blank for printing (feel free to modify as needed!)
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There is another copy of these to use for data entry. Students should first fill out hard copy datasheets then transfer data to database.
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Questions? email Ron Eby (roneby3@gmail.com) for otter natural history questions, or Kerstin Wasson (kerstin.wasson@gmail.com) for database questions.
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