Recording Wild Animal Observations

Wildlife sightings in Kora capture wild animal observations. What species, where seen, when observed, how many individuals, what they were doing, and supporting evidence. GPS-based field recording transforms smartphone or tablet into scientific observation tool. This creates precisely geolocated, multimedia-documented wildlife records suitable for conservation monitoring, research contributions, biodiversity assessment, and population tracking.

This chapter explains how wildlife sighting recording works. What information is captured. How observations contribute to conservation and research.

Recording Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife sighting recording emphasises quick, mobile field capture:

Essential Information:

• Species: Select from comprehensive species database or describe unknown species
• GPS Location: Automatically captured from smartphone/tablet (or manually entered)
• Date and Time: When observation occurred
• Observer: Who recorded the sighting

Population Details:

• Individual Count: Total animals observed
• Demographics: Adults, juveniles, infants
• Sex Ratio: Males, females, unknown gender

Observation Context:

• Behaviour: What animals were doing (feeding, resting, moving, breeding, etc.)
• Habitat Type: Where observed (forest, grassland, wetland, urban, etc.)
• Environmental Conditions: Weather, temperature, time of day

Evidence and Documentation:

• Photos: Visual evidence of sighting
• Videos: Behavioural documentation
• Audio Recordings: Calls, vocalisations
• Physical Evidence: Tracks, scat, feeding signs, nests

Conservation Significance:

• Endangered species flag
• First sighting in area
• Unusual behaviour observation
• Invasive species detection
• Seasonally unusual occurrence

Example wildlife sighting:

Species: Eastern Grey Kangaroo
GPS Coordinates: -33.8688° S, 151.2093° E (±5m accuracy)
Date/Time: 2025-03-15 06:30 AM
Observer: Sarah (Field Ranger)

Population:
  Total Individuals: 12
  Adults: 7
  Juveniles: 5
  Males: 3 (estimated)
  Females: 9 (estimated, includes juveniles)

Behaviour: Feeding (grazing)
Activity Level: Active
Habitat: Grassland (improved pasture)
Distance from Observer: 50 metres

Environmental Context:
  Weather: Clear/Sunny
  Temperature: 18°C
  Time of Day: Early Morning

Evidence:
  Photos: 4 photos attached
  Physical Evidence: Fresh tracks and grazing signs observed

Conservation Notes:
  First documented sighting in this paddock (previously only observed in bushland areas)
  Suggests population expansion into agricultural areas

Confidence Level: Certain (clear view, confident identification)

Recording takes 2-3 minutes for basic sighting. Takes 5-10 minutes for detailed observation with photos and comprehensive notes.

GPS-Based Field Recording

GPS location capture is central to wildlife sighting value:

Automatic GPS Capture: Smartphone or tablet GPS automatically records coordinates when creating sighting. No manual coordinate entry. No map interface complexity. One-tap location capture.

Location Accuracy: GPS accuracy recorded (precision in metres). High-accuracy sightings (±5-10m) suitable for research. Lower-accuracy sightings (±50-100m) still valuable for general distribution monitoring.

Offline Functionality: Field areas often lack internet. GPS coordinates captured offline. Stored locally on device. Synchronised automatically when internet connectivity returns.

Map Integration: View sightings on interactive maps. Visualise wildlife distribution. Identify hotspots and corridors. Plan survey routes based on historical observations.

Multiple Coordinate Systems: GPS coordinates stored in standard decimal degrees format. Compatible with research databases, conservation programmes, and GIS analysis tools.

Example GPS field workflow:

Ranger conducting morning patrol (remote bushland, no mobile signal):

06:15 - Spots koala in eucalyptus tree
06:16 - Opens Kora on tablet (offline mode)
06:17 - Records sighting:
         - Species: Koala
         - GPS auto-captured: -33.7284° S, 150.3469° E, ±8m
         - Count: 1 individual (adult)
         - Behaviour: Resting in tree canopy
         - Takes 3 photos
         - Saves sighting (stored on device)

07:30 - Observes wallaby group
07:31 - Records sighting (GPS: -33.7301° S, 150.3512° E, ±6m)
        - Species: Swamp Wallaby
        - Count: 4 individuals (2 adults, 2 juveniles)
        - Photos captured
        - Saved offline

12:00 - Returns to ranger station
12:05 - Tablet connects to WiFi
12:06 - All morning observations automatically sync to Kora
        - Koala sighting uploaded with GPS and photos
        - Wallaby sighting uploaded with GPS and photos
        - Observations now available for analysis and mapping

Result: Morning patrol produced 2 precisely geolocated observations with photos
contributing to wildlife distribution database.

GPS-based recording transforms wildlife observations from vague location descriptions into research-grade spatial data. This data is suitable for scientific analysis, conservation planning, and population monitoring.

Species Identification

Kora supports comprehensive species identification:

Predefined Species Database: 500+ wildlife species covering:

• Australia and New Zealand (kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, possums, wombats, echidnas, platypus, dingoes, emus, cassowaries, parrots, cockatoos, raptors, reptiles, marine mammals)
• Southeast Asia (orangutans, gibbons, tigers, elephants, tapirs, hornbills, crocodiles, pythons)
• Broader East Asia (pandas, snow leopards, cranes, macaques)
• Pacific regions (monk seals, sea turtles, endemic island species)
• General categories for unknown species (Unknown Large Mammal, Unknown Bird of Prey, etc.)

Common Names and Scientific Names: Search by either common name ("Red Kangaroo") or scientific name ("Osphranter rufus"). Regional common names supported.

Conservation Status: Species include conservation status classifications. Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in Wild.

Unknown Species Documentation: When species uncertain, select general category (Unknown Large Bird, Unknown Reptile, etc.). Add detailed description for later expert identification.

Example species selection workflows:

Confident Identification:
  Observer: Experienced ranger
  Species Seen: Immediately recognisable eastern grey kangaroo
  Selection: "Eastern Grey Kangaroo" from database
  Confidence: Certain
  Notes: Clear view, distinctive features visible

Uncertain Identification:
  Observer: Farmer on property
  Species Seen: Large bird of prey circling overhead
  Selection: "Unknown Bird of Prey" general category
  Description: "Large raptor, approximately 60-70cm, dark plumage, wedge-shaped tail"
  Photos: 2 distant photos attached
  Confidence: Uncertain
  Result: Submitted for expert verification (later identified as Wedge-tailed Eagle)

New Observer Learning:
  Observer: Citizen scientist new to bird identification
  Species Seen: Colourful parrot, uncertain which species
  Selection: "Unknown Medium Bird" initially
  Description: "Bright red and green plumage, approximately 30cm"
  Photos: Clear photos attached
  Confidence: Possible
  Verification: Expert reviews photos, confirms Rainbow Lorikeet, updates species ID

Species database supports both expert identifications and learning-friendly uncertain observations. Expert verification pathway available.

Population Counting and Demographics

Wildlife sightings capture population information:

Total Individual Count: How many animals observed (1, 5, 20, 100+).

Age Class Demographics:

• Adults: Mature individuals
• Juveniles: Young but independent animals
• Infants: Very young animals still dependent on parents

Sex Ratio (when observable):

• Males: Male individuals identified
• Females: Female individuals identified
• Unknown Gender: Individuals where sex not determined

Example population counting:

Small Group (Easy Counting):
  Species: Koala
  Individual Count: 1
  Adults: 1
  Notes: Single adult koala resting in tree

Medium Group (Moderate Counting):
  Species: Swamp Wallaby
  Individual Count: 8
  Adults: 5
  Juveniles: 3
  Males: 2 (estimated)
  Females: 6 (estimated, includes juveniles)

Large Group (Estimation):
  Species: Little Corella (parrot)
  Individual Count: 200+ (estimated)
  Adults: Majority (precise count impractical)
  Notes: Large flock feeding in agricultural field, estimate based on group density

Mixed Species Group:
  Primary Species: Pacific Black Duck
  Individual Count: 15
  Also Observed: Australian White Ibis (3 individuals)
  Notes: Mixed waterbird group at pond, separate sightings created for each species

Population data contributes to conservation monitoring. Trend analysis over time reveals whether populations increasing, stable, or declining.

Behaviour Observation

Recording what animals were doing provides ecological context:

Common Behaviours:

• Feeding: Eating, grazing, foraging, hunting
• Resting: Sleeping, inactive, basking
• Movement: Walking, running, flying, swimming, migrating
• Social: Playing, grooming, group behaviour, territorial displays
• Reproductive: Mating, nesting, caring for young
• Human Interaction: Near human activity, avoiding humans, approaching humans
• Agricultural Interaction: Foraging in crops, approaching livestock

Activity Level:

• Very Active: Energetic movement and activity
• Active: Normal activity levels
• Moderate: Some activity interspersed with rest
• Low Activity: Minimal movement
• Inactive/Resting: Stationary or sleeping

Example behaviour observations:

Foraging Behaviour:
  Species: Galah (parrot)
  Behaviour: Feeding (foraging in crops)
  Activity Level: Very Active
  Notes: Large flock systematically feeding on grain in recently harvested wheat field.
  Conservation Context: Agricultural interaction, potential conflict situation

Breeding Behaviour:
  Species: Wedge-tailed Eagle
  Behaviour: Caring for Young (nest attendance)
  Activity Level: Low Activity (adults guarding nest)
  Conservation Significance: Active breeding site identified
  Notes: Two adults observed near large stick nest in eucalyptus tree, chick visible

Threat Response:
  Species: Eastern Brown Snake
  Behaviour: Defensive Behaviour
  Activity Level: Active
  Context: Snake encountered on walking trail, defensive posture when approached
  Safety: Human safety concern flagged, trail warning issued

Behaviour observations inform conservation understanding. Breeding behaviour identifies critical habitats. Feeding patterns reveal resource use. Human interactions highlight conflict risks.

Environmental Context

Environmental conditions provide ecological context:

Habitat Type: Where animals observed. Eucalyptus forest, rainforest, grassland, wetland, coastal, urban, agricultural, etc.

Weather Conditions: Clear, cloudy, rainy, windy, hot, cold.

Time of Day: Pre-dawn, dawn, morning, midday, afternoon, evening, dusk, night.

Temperature and Climate: General weather conditions during observation.

Seasonal Context: Month and season providing temporal context for observations.

Example environmental documentation:

Dawn Observation:
  Species: Grey-headed Flying Fox
  Time: 05:30 (Pre-Dawn)
  Behaviour: Flying/Returning to roost
  Habitat: Eucalyptus Forest (roosting colony)
  Weather: Clear
  Temperature: 16°C
  Context: Flying foxes returning to daytime roost at dawn (typical behaviour)

Seasonal Pattern:
  Species: Humpback Whale
  Time: Afternoon
  Behaviour: Migrating north
  Habitat: Coastal (offshore)
  Month: June (Winter)
  Context: Annual winter migration from Antarctic feeding grounds to northern breeding waters

Weather-Related Observation:
  Species: Australian Pelican
  Habitat: Lake
  Weather: Storm approaching
  Behaviour: Group Behaviour (flock gathering)
  Context: Unusual concentration of pelicans ahead of weather change

Environmental context supports pattern recognition. Seasonal migrations, weather-related behaviours, habitat preferences, activity timing.

Evidence and Documentation

Supporting evidence strengthens observation value:

Photo Documentation: Visual evidence confirming species identification. Recording behaviours. Documenting populations.

Video Recording: Behavioural documentation. Movement patterns. Interaction recording.

Audio Recording: Animal vocalisations, calls, sounds supporting species identification.

Physical Evidence:

• Tracks and footprints
• Scat/droppings
• Hair or fur samples
• Feathers
• Feeding signs (chewed vegetation, kill sites)
• Nests, dens, burrows

Evidence Improves Data Quality:

• Photos enable expert verification of uncertain identifications
• Videos document rare or unusual behaviours
• Audio recordings confirm species in dense vegetation where visual observation difficult
• Physical evidence confirms presence even without direct visual sighting

Example evidence documentation:

Photo-Verified Sighting:
  Species: Koala (initially uncertain)
  Evidence: 3 clear photos showing distinctive features
  Verification: Expert confirmed identification from photos
  Result: Certain identification, research-grade data

Audio-Based Sighting:
  Species: Powerful Owl
  Evidence: Audio recording of distinctive "woo-hoo" call
  Visual: No direct visual observation (nocturnal, dense forest)
  Verification: Call characteristic of Powerful Owl, confirmed by expert
  Result: High-confidence identification despite no visual

Physical Evidence Sighting:
  Species: Wombat
  Evidence: Fresh burrow entrance, distinctive cubic scat, tracks
  Visual: No direct animal observation
  Method: Tracks/Signs Only
  Confidence: Certain (distinctive evidence unique to wombats)

Evidence documentation transforms casual observations into verifiable scientific data. This contributes to research databases and conservation monitoring.

Conservation Significance Flags

Mark observations with conservation importance:

Endangered Species: Sightings of threatened or endangered species.

First Sighting in Area: First documented occurrence in specific location indicating range expansion or habitat use change.

Unusual Behaviour: Atypical behaviours suggesting environmental changes, stress, or ecological shifts.

Invasive Species: Non-native species presence requiring management response.

New Species Record: Species not previously documented in region or database.

Seasonally Unusual: Observations outside normal temporal patterns. Migration timing shifts. Unexpected seasonal occurrence.

Out of Normal Range: Species observed beyond typical geographic distribution.

Example flagged observations:

Endangered Species:
  Species: Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat
  Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
  Flag: Endangered Species
  Significance: One of world's rarest mammals, ~315 individuals remain
  Action: Observation reported to conservation authorities immediately

First Sighting:
  Species: Quokka
  Flag: First Sighting in Area
  Significance: Quokka never previously documented in this conservation reserve
  Action: Prompted follow-up surveys confirming small population establishment

Range Expansion:
  Species: Little Corella
  Flag: Out of Normal Range (expanding southward)
  Significance: Species historically not present in southern regions, climate change impact suspected
  Action: Contributed to national range shift monitoring programme

Invasive Species:
  Species: European Red Fox
  Flag: Invasive Species
  Significance: Non-native predator threatening native wildlife
  Action: Triggered pest control programme assessment and mitigation planning

Conservation flags highlight observations requiring special attention. Follow-up actions. Immediate reporting to authorities.

Confidence Levels and Verification

Data quality assurance through confidence assessment:

Confidence Levels:

• Certain: Clear view, confident identification, distinctive features observed
• Likely: Good view, confident but minor uncertainty
• Possible: Partial view, probable identification
• Uncertain: Distant/brief observation, unsure identification
• Tracks/Signs Only: Physical evidence without direct visual sighting

Expert Verification (brief mention): Observations can be submitted for expert review. Verified sightings flagged as higher-quality data suitable for research contributions.

Quality Grades: Research-grade observations (verified, high-confidence, good documentation) distinguished from preliminary observations requiring verification.

Example confidence scenarios:

Certain (High Confidence):
  Observer: Experienced wildlife biologist
  Species: Red Kangaroo
  View: Close observation (20m), clear view, 5 minutes duration
  Photos: Multiple clear photos
  Confidence: Certain
  Quality: Research Grade

Uncertain (Low Confidence):
  Observer: Farmer
  Species: Unknown Large Bird (possibly eagle)
  View: High-altitude flying, brief glimpse, poor lighting
  Photos: One distant blurry photo
  Confidence: Uncertain
  Status: Requires verification

Tracks Only (Evidence-Based):
  Observer: Field ranger
  Species: Platypus
  Evidence: Fresh tracks at water's edge, distinctive webbed footprints
  Visual: No direct animal sighting
  Confidence: Certain (tracks diagnostic for platypus)
  Method: Tracks/Signs Only

Confidence levels support appropriate data use. High-confidence observations suitable for immediate research contributions. Lower-confidence observations valuable for general monitoring pending verification.

Integration with Other Features

Wildlife sightings connect across Kora:

Animal Management (Chapter 8): Sightings can link to tracked animals (collared individuals, rescued animals later released, breeding programme participants). Bridges wild and managed animal data.

Location Integration (Chapter 9): GPS coordinates tie sightings to properties, conservation areas, geographic regions. Map-based visualisation reveals distribution patterns and movement corridors.

Task Integration (Chapter 13): Significant sightings generate follow-up tasks. Endangered species sighting creates notify authorities task. Unusual behaviour creates investigate cause task. Invasive species creates assess control needs task.

Biosecurity Integration (Chapter 11): Wildlife disease observations (sick/injured wild animals) trigger biosecurity protocols. Wild animal contact with livestock creates exposure tracking.

Research Contribution: High-quality verified observations export to conservation databases, biodiversity monitoring programmes, citizen science platforms.