December 2009 Newsletter
Hi-tech help for identifying wildlife
Our mobile phones and laptops continue to diminish in size and increase in power, whilst the range of applications grows daily. Despite this the availability of mobile, digital tools to help identify plants and animals in the field is still relatively limited. At Biocensus we have always recognised the potential value of such tools and we are actively involved in their development.
We recently collaborated with scientists at Birmingham University combining our ecological experience and their computer programming skills to produce prototype software for identifying bird species based on their appearance. The user enters details of colour, shape and size of the bird they are looking at, and the software applies ‘fuzzy logic’ to list species in order of likelihood. The software works happily with incomplete and even incorrect information (just as well because you rarely get a perfect view in the field!). Field guide books will always be the foundation of wildlife identification but software like this, running on modern mobile devices may provide a powerful alternative, with some distinct advantages. Anyone who has spent time flicking randomly through the pages of a bird book trying in vain to match the pictures to what they've seen may well agree!
We aim to make this available on web-based and mobile platforms in the near future. If you want to find out more then email us at enquiries@biocensus.co.uk or call 0845 4594810.
Ecological training opportunities with Biocensus in 2010
After another successful year,
Biocensus Training will once again be running a selection of intensive one day ecological training courses in 2010. We are excited
to be expanding our national coverage by running courses at Windermere St Anne's in
the Lake District (dates to be confirmed), in addition to our usual Gloucestershire venues. Our courses are suitable for professional
ecologists, conservation workers, interested amateurs and those seeking employment in the environmental sector. Subjects include
UK wildlife legislation, using bat detectors, badger ecology and management, phase one habitat survey and identification of common grassland
plants. All our tutors are experienced professional consultants who are experts in their field. The courses involve a blend
of classroom-based teaching and practical sessions where you can learn to put theory into practice. We pride ourselves on the relaxed
and interactive atmosphere on our courses, where discussion between trainees and tutors is actively encouraged.
Download our timetable
for 2010 training course dates, or to find
out more email us at enquiries@biocensus.co.uk
or call 0845 4594810.
Biodiversity and business
Biocensus have recently developed a
biodiversity assessment service to provide advice to businesses wishing to incorporate biodiversity into their strategies and activities.
Increasingly, businesses are recognising the commercial and ethical benefits of adopting policies on corporate social responsibility and environmental management. However, the relationship between business activities and biodiversity has not been widely explored, despite there being many opportunities and risks. Opportunities include improving prospects for sustainable growth, and generating positive PR that will appeal to increasingly ethical customers and investors. Risks include potential damage to a company's image, and future environmental liabilities, so clearly biodiversity issues can significantly impact on profitability. As society places ever higher value on biodiversity, and as the legal framework develops to reflect this, the commercial case for incorporating biodiversity into business planning and operations grows ever stronger.
The many ways in which businesses can respond to biodiversity issues are comprehensively described in an excellent IUCN handbook. An initial step is to conduct a biodiversity assessment - an evaluation of the relationship between a company's activities, and biodiversity issues. A biodiversity assessment allows business managers to identify and prioritise significant risks, but also potential benefits and opportunities.
For further information on the biodiversity assessment services we provide, email us at enquiries@biocensus.co.uk,
or call 0845 4594810.