OVERVIEW
The following is called a data dictionary. It gives explanations of each of the fields that you will be asked to complete while filling out your Mt. Lion spotting report. The list is detailed in order to provide spatial accuracy and scientific validity. You may want to reread this page several times before you start. Due to the sensitive nature of this data, the spatial information (location, lat, long, elevation) you provide will not be viewable by the general audience.
WHAT IF I MAKE A MISTAKE OR HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you make an error while inputting data please send an email to ccp@conceptioncoast.org, and indicate the error made, correction needed and/or question. We will respond back to you shortly.
DATA DICTIONARY
Observer- The observer is the person who underwent direct contact with the specimen (see observation type). This field will link with another table with detailed information about each observer. This information will include name, contact information, organization, tracker level, and other credentials. This information will not be available for every observer because information may have been acquired third party.
Date- The date will include month, day and year at best and year at worst. Degree of precision available varies from sighting to sighting.
Observation Type- This will include simple observations for phase 1. One-word text descriptions shall include, sighting, roadkill, depredation, shooting, sign and specimen.
Age- The age will be a subjective determination based on three categories: cub, subadult, adult, unknown.
Sex- The sex of the Mt Lion: Male, Female or Unknown.
Comments- Additional comments about specific time of day, type of sign seen (track, scat) or unique aspects of observation.
Accuracy Class- Based on California Natural Diversity Database. It represents spatial uncertainty in a relative way on a scale of one to ten (from most accurate to least accurate).
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1
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Specific bounded area with an 80 meter radius |
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2
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Specific bounded area |
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3
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Non-specific bounded area |
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4
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Circular feature with a 150 meter radius (1/10 mile) |
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5
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Circular feature with a 300 meter radius (1/5 mile) |
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6
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Circular feature with a 600 meter radius (2/5 mile) |
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7
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Circular feature with a 1000 meter radius (3/5 mile) |
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8
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Circular feature with a 1300 meter radius (4/5 mile) |
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9
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Circular feature with a 1600 meter radius (1 mile) |
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10
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Circular feature with a 8000 meter radius (5 miles) |
Spatial Precision- This will be extremely important for the value of this project. In order to gain spatial accuracy, we ask any contributors to make their best effort at attaining Latitude/Longitude coordinates for their mountain lion sightings.
Go to http://www.topozone.com - search by name of area and use D/M/S Coordinate Format and NAD27 Coordinate Datum to find latitude/longitude coordinates.
Email Address- Please input your email address so we can contact you if any questions arise.
*** It is essential
that these instructions be followed explicitly in order to create scientifically
valuable data. To those who enter sighting data, you are providing the project
with critical information for mapping mountain lion habitat corridors. The mountain
lions and the project team thank you very much for your time and consideration.