Non-Invasive Methods

Describe non-invasive methods as a whole.

Methods that focus on collecting data without disturbing natural behavior, ecology, or physiology

What are examples of non-invasive methods?

Satellite, camera traps, track and scat, strip-census, cover boards, drones

What are the pros of using non-invasive methods?

Reduces risk/stress for animal, potentially less effort, reduced bias on behavior, more ethical so more public support, cost (method-depending), safer for researcher, study approval with IAUCUC, higher sample size or broader data collection, does not take much time to collect or as much time to process data

What are the cons of using non-invasive methods?

No markers/tracking (Harder to sex/age), Can’t answer all research questions, equipment failure/stolen stuff, data storage/management, No guarantees in data/human error, landowner permissions, travel/personnel costs, storage of equipment

What are the study considerations involved when choosing a non-invasive method?

Can the method answer my question, sample design, sample size, study length