The Habitat Survey

What's a Habitat Survey?

A habitat survey is a method of gathering information about the ecology of a site.

The fundamental piece of information collected is the habitat type to which a particular area can

be assigned.

What information are you looking for?

Habitat types are determined by reference to a system of habitat classification, which must be clearly identified.

The location and extent of different habitat types present in a site are mapped to provide a clear spatial record.

What information are you looking for?

Additional information on habitats may also be collected, such as dominant species or conservation status, depending on the objectives of the particular habitat survey.

What is it For?

The results of a habitat survey provide basic ecological information that can be used for:

biodiversity conservation planning and / or management more detailed botanical or zoological investigations.

The 5 Main Steps Involved

1. Planning the scope and execution of the habitat survey in line with survey objectives

2. Review of desktop information to assist field survey work

3. Field based habitat survey and mapping, and compilation of additional information dependent on study objectives

4. Compilation of the final habitat survey GIS database, other data and project report

5. Interpretation of the results of the habitat survey and ecological studies beyond habitat surveying

What Maps are There?

Historical 6-inch (raster) (1:10,560) Historical

25-inch (raster) (1:2500) Current vector Maps (1:1000, 1:2500, 1:5000) Discovery Series

The Urban Settlement Maps

Before you go out Looking...

What information already exists? This is the 'Desktop Survey'

Look at: − Maps of all ages− Aerial Photographs− Google Earth etc − Previous Studies− Old Development Plans− Even School Projects

Remember:

Ask around as much as possible Seek out your wildlife ranger Are there any experts at hand? Will you have access to where you're going? What time of year it is...

In the Field: Remember S.A.T.

Safety Access Time

The Map

When you are mapping

Clearly differentiate between habitat areas Don't clutter the map Note where possible, the relative abundance or

extent of certain species or types of plants If you like, use the DAFOR scale.

The DAFOR Scale

Dominant (D):Abundant (A):Frequent (F):

Occasional (O): Rare (R):

Please remember...

Record anything rare or unusual

Record areas of high conservation value if you can

Record (and report) damage or threats

Bring the plant to the book!

Urban Habitats

Often more difficult to survey

May be scattered habitats

May require different mapping system

May well have inaccessible areas.

Look for and List Protected Habitats

Special Areas of Conservation

Natural Heritage Areas

Special Protection Areas

see http://www.npws.ie/en/MapsData/