UWIN Protocols

Our Approach

UWIN's research protocols are united in that they are designed to capture variation in species ecology and behavior across a gradient of urbanization. However, each partner is based out of a unique region, meaning that no sampling design looks exactly alike.

This diversity helps the network understand how variation across landscapes and city infrastructure (physical and cultural) may impact local wildlife.

Network staff work directly with partners to determine how UWIN's sampling framework can be applied to their unique community.

Coyote looking majestic in an Austin park (Austin Wildlife Watch

Protocols

UWIN protocols are designed to capture variation in species ecology and behavior across a gradient of urbanization. Network staff work directly with partners to adapt these frameworks to their unique communities.

Please note, partners are welcome to implement one or more of these protocols and there is no requirement to participate in all of them.

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The heart of UWIN's research lies in monitoring wildlife with camera traps.

Partners establish sites along urban gradients to capture variation in species ecology and behavior.

Guidelines

  • Establish sites along an urban gradient

  • Sample across diverse habitat types (built area, agriculture, grass, forest, etc.)

  • Establish > 30 sites (~1000m apart) or > 50 sites (~500 - 1000m)

  • Monitor sites regularly with seasonal sampling preferred

  • Collaborate and share data with partners

Resources

Camera Trapping Protocol 

How to Set Up a Camera Trap (Video) 

Equipment Recommendations 

camera trapping protocol uwin

Camera Trapping

acoustic-sampling-uwin

Acoustic Sampling

The Network has advanced techniques to systematically monitor birds with autonomous recording units (ARU's), specializing in AudioMoths.

Through collaborations with BirNet and WildTrax, we've streamlined acoustic data annotation.

Guidelines

  • Establish sites along an urban gradient

  • Sample across diverse habitat types (built area, agriculture, grass, forest, etc.)

  • Establish > 30 sites (~1000m apart) or > 50 sites (~500 - 1000m)

  • Follow UWIN’s ARU programming schedule

  • Potential expansion to bats and amphibians monitoring

Resources

Acoustic Sampling Protocol 

UWIN tick sampling protocol

Tick Sampling

Partners investigate the relationship between mammal host communities, tick densities, and tick-borne disease.

Using camera traps and 'tick-dragging' to collect specimens and communicate findings with local health officials.

Guidelines

  • Establish > 5 sites along an urban gradient

  • Conduct 2-3 tick-drags during peak activity months

  • Test specimens for disease-causing bacteria

  • Report findings to local health officials

Resources

Tick Sampling Protocol 

A monkey camera trap image using UWIN Research Protocols
Wildlife photo from a small animal at night time as taken by a camera trap image using UWIN protocols
A moose lying on the ground in a forested area with sunlight filtering through trees.
Three Sandhill cranes walking on a wooded nature trail.
Photo showing a muskrat in a natural outdoor setting at night, captured by a trail camera with black and white infrared imagery.
Wildlife climbing a tree at night moving onto power lines, as captured by camera traps
Wildlife forested area with trees and grass, looking directly at the camera.
wildlife on a camera trap image using uwin protocols
Setting up camera traps in the field.