Multi-Species Inventory and Monitoring
USGS biologists are conducting an inventory to determine what species of amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals are present within Point Reyes National Seashore. The results of this work will provide Point Reyes NS with better information on what animals are present within the park. The inventory will also provide the foundation for a long-term monitoring of key park resources. Without a knowledge of what species are present, and what trends are occurring in key species, the National Park Service will not be able to properly manage the natural resources.
Amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals are captured using several live trapping techniques including artificial cover boards, pitfall traps, and Sherman live traps. Animals are identified, weighed, measured, and released at the site of capture. Some species are given individual tags so that they can be recognized on subsequent captures. This allows biologists to assess movement, growth, and longevity. Trapping arrays have been established in various habitats within the park to assess habitat preferences.
Medium-sized animals are inventoried with the use of remote triggered cameras, thus avoiding the necessity more expensive capture techniques. Incidental photographs of birds and other species augments other survey techniques. Over 12,000 photographs have been accumulated thus far (November 1995 -August 2000), representative of 58 species. Some of the highlights included 1,284 photographs of bobcats, 47 photographs of badgers, and 26 photographs of mountain lions.
The initial inventory work extended over three years and focused on eight sites in five habitats (bishop pine, Douglas fir, riparian, grassland, and coastal scrub). As the inventory draws to a close, many of the inventory sites will be utilized as long-term monitoring sites. Monitoring will allow the park to assess changes in distribution, habitat preference, and (in some cases) abundance of key species. All this information is important for assuring that the park is being managed in a fashion that protects the natural resources.