Write a short article (maximum 1000 words) on the problems and complexities of using tracks and signals to determine the presence (and absence) of mammal species (25%) In the field of ecology, finding and identifying tracks and signals has always been one of the most difficult jobs in this field. This is because a number of different problems can and most likely will occur. There are several ways to find animal tracks and signs. When looking for a particular species you will need to conduct research to know which habitats it will spend the most time in, this will narrow down the list of species when a footprint or sign is found. But there's the first problem: when someone says we're going to track animals today, you think "great, I'll find some animal tracks," which is easier said than done. Footprints can be extremely difficult to find, especially if you are looking for a mammal species that spends its life hiding from predators or even predators hide from prey waiting for an ambush. Their footprint will be influenced by a number of factors such as: • The type of terrain it is located on: this will affect the quality of the print. There are several ways to locate it, scientists can place a surface called "Moon Sand" which is used to collect footprints of large mammals, and this however will not allow footprints of smaller mammals. (Binstead, 2013) • Time: Time can depend on how long an imprint will last. For example, if it were hot and sunny, a footprint might last all day or not even affect the ground if the ground is dry. But if it rains the footprint will be damaged and it will be almost impossible to tell what animal it is • The type of mammal: The type of animal is an important factor if a footprint is to be left. Lar...... middle of paper ......looking at the color is very important because it can split into separate mammal groups like rabbits and deer which both produce pellets like feces but both have different colors. (Confidence, n.d.) The advantages of observing the feces are that if they have not dried out and are still warm, the animal is not too far away, providing a clear view of the mammal's presence but not knowing how long ago. The disadvantage is that without experience and adequate knowledge of what to look for, mistakes can be made in identifying animals. Bibliography Binstead, M., 2013. British Wildlife Centre. [Online]Available at: http://britishwildlifecentre.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/mammal-tracking.html[Accessed March 2014].Harris, D.W., 2014. Class notes. Swansea: snTrust identity sheet, W., nd Poo. [Online]Available at: http://www.naturedetectives.org.uk/download/id_poo.htm[Accessed March 2014].