Proposal for incorporation of grid-based data into the African Elephant Database.

Abstract

Suggests the inclusion of a grid based distributional system within the AED would be more objective and provide an indication of data quality that the present mapping system. Data included in grid based system could differentiately weighed be based on: the intensity of the aerial survey and the season in which it is flown, the knowledge of long term competent observers regarding the the range/habitat use; the observation of rapid surveys or transects in an area. Proposes considering grid cells size for mapping data be the equivalent to the quarter degree normal in bird atlases. The grid cell data: density estimate, signs observed, not range, no records, or no information, will be correlated and summarized in sets of tables.