Welcome to the SLN Summer Exchange 2023 – A training initiative by the Snow Leopard Network.
We are thrilled to showcase a diverse range of topics and resource persons from seven different organizations as part of our upcoming Summer Exchange. Each week, we will delve into various aspects of conservation and research, offering valuable insights and opportunities for knowledge sharing. Join us as we explore a wide array of tools, techniques, and approaches that play a crucial role in wildlife conservation and habitat protection.
Our Resource Team are individual and organisational members from the Snow Leopard Network, drawing on their extensive knowledge and experience. We are very appreciative of our Resource Team finding time to join us in this effort and we look forward to members taking advantage of this exceptional opportunity. Enjoy the sessions and feel free to share your feedback!
“This course was a great opportunity to exchange with colleagues, get to know new approaches from different SL range countries. Get the latest updates on SL relevant topics. I find such exchanges a perfect tool for conservationist around the globe to share their knowhow and upgrade their own skills, eagerly waiting for the next Exchange”.
“Our participation in the SLN Summer Exchange has provided us with a solid foundation for monitoring these elusive creatures. Through this experience, we have gained valuable knowledge, honed our skills, and acquired practical tools for assessing snow leopard populations. The insights gained from this program are critical in guiding our conservation efforts.”
– 2023 Participants
Week 1: SMART Tools with Tony Lynam and Samantha Strindberg
The use of technology in conservation efforts has revolutionized data collection and analysis. The Wildlife Conservation Society will present the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART), a technology designed to monitor and protect wildlife in protected areas. Discover how SMART is applied in surveys for endangered species, such as snow leopard prey species. Learn about data collection methods, management, and analysis using the SMART survey tool.
Week 2: Intro to QGIS with Justine S. Alexander
Join our online workshop, Introduction to QGIS, and discover key tools for everyday data visualization, spatial analysis, and mapping. This concise introductory session focuses on practical skills using QGIS, a powerful geographic information system widely used in conservation and research. Engage in interactive activities and discussions to gain a solid understanding of essential QGIS tools and their applications in real-world projects.
Week 3: AI Camera Trap Management with Wei Chunyue and Dong Zhengyi
Join us for an online workshop where the Shan Shui Conservation team will introduce their newly developed software designed to streamline camera trap image processing. This software focuses on efficiently removing images that do not capture any animals and simplifying the creation of Excel sheets with the corresponding time and date information. While the workshop will not cover artificial intelligence for species or individual identification, it will provide valuable insights into the team’s ongoing efforts to develop software tools that will enhance camera trap data analysis in the future.
Week 4: Intro to Occupancy and SCR methods with Ian Durbach and Koustubh Sharma
Explore the PAWS toolbox, focusing on occupancy models and spatial capture-recapture (SCR) methods. Understand survey design, data collection, management, and analysis for assessing snow leopard distribution and abundance. Gain insights into interpreting and communicating results effectively.
Week 5: Community led-conservation through a network of local champions with Deepshikha Sharma
Learn about community-led conservation and the importance of building working relationships and trust with local communities. Deepshikha Sharma from the Nature Conservation Foundation – SLT India program will share experiences, challenges, and lessons learned in working with community champions in the trans-Himalayan mountains of India.
Week 6: Data collection and visualization with Altynai Adabaeva
This session explores the best practices for designing questionnaires and utilizing the data collection tool KoBoToolbox. Discover how to create well-structured surveys and efficiently collect data. Additionally, explore Looker, a powerful data analytics platform, and learn how to create interactive dashboards.
Week 7: Nature Education with Vena Kapoor
Nature education plays a vital role in conservation efforts. This workshop highlights the theories and practices from education, ecology, and psychology that can be applied to design effective nature education projects. Engage in interactive discussions and activities to learn how to create content and resources that foster a deep connection with nature.
For more information on this session please visit – Nature Classrooms or Social media handles: https://www.instagram.com/natureclassrooms/ Twitter: @NatrClassrooms; @venadavenu
Congratulations for completing this on-line module!
If you have any further questions please do get in touch