Introduction

The aim of this chapter is to introduce the main requirements for ecological monitoring. There are some generic aspects of ecological monitoring that should always be considered and these are discussed below. There may also be specific aspects that are relevant to certain taxa and these are found in publications dealing with standard ecological methods. For example, standard methods for monitoring have been published by the Smithsonian Institute Press (e.g. Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity: Amphibians; Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity: Mammals).

Standardized methods

Standard methods for monitoring birds have been developed by the BTO in the UK (see p. 74). There are standard methods for community-based ecological monitoring of aquatic communities (see Ch. 8). For example, a monitoring manual for stream periphyton has been prepared for use in New Zealand (Biggs & Kilroy, 2000).

In many countries, information on standard methods for surveys and for monitoring may be obtained from government environmental or conservation agencies (e.g. Sykes & Lane, 1996) and also from NGOs conservation.

The use of standard methods for monitoring is a prerequisite for the success of monitoring programmes that are within and between countries. For example, the Heritage Network, which extends throughout North America and into South America, includes many participating organizations and groups. There is collaboration and commitment but of particular importance is the use of standard inventory monitoring methodology.