SHS - HabitatNet Biodiversity & Wildlife Management Project

"If the land mechanism as a whole is good, then ever part of it is good, whether we understand it or not. It the biota, in the course of eons, has built something we like but do not understand, then who but a fool would discard seemingly useless parts? To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering."

- Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac

All species have a range of tolerance for physical and biological components in an environment. Some species have a narrow range (specialists) while others have a broader range (generalists). Regardless, each species has its' specific function (niche) in that ecosystem. Each species in order thrive needs: food, space, shelter, and water. Given this, you will need to keep all of this in mind as your first asses your plot and then research ad implement your wildlife management plan.

Your wildlife management portfolio (For your plot) must include the following:

1. A forest successional assessment identifying the seral stage. This needs to include tree density, dominance, and diversity figures (Appendix 2).
2. A bird checklist of all species observed during the project period (Appendix 2).
3. Completed wildlife/habitat "compartment cards" with recommendations for increasing the biodiversity (Appendix 3).
4. A "featured creature" biography sheet. This species must be one that may be located on your plot. The biography should include: scientific taxonomic name, life history, description of the species, and why it is found in that habitat (Example: Appendix 4).
5. Observations & Filed Notes that may include:
   • Insect, reptile, amphibian, mammal, and herbaceous plants found in your plot.
   • Seasonal weather and daylight hour changes during project period.
   • Seasonal observations: weekly migration updates (birds), flowering periods, insect hatches, first reptiles and amphibians seen, etc.

HabitatNet	HabitatNet@sprise.com
Souhegan High School	Last Updated on 10/10/01 © 1998 Souhegan High School