A Survey of Ungulates by Students Along Rural School Bus Routes

Abstract

We tested the reliability and utility of students, Grades 1–8, to count mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and elk (Cervus elephus) along rural school bus routes in Kittitas County, Washington, from 2003 to 2004 as part of an investigation on wildlife response to rural development. Student and supervisor counts of deer and elk were similar (α = .05). Student involvement was sustained by the presence of the supervisor and by providing a three-tiered incentives package to encourage participation. Our results demonstrate that students provide an opportunity for cost-effective long-term monitoring of changes in ungulate distribution along public transit routes. Beside providing information needed by wildlife managers, students and the community can benefit by increasing their ecological literacy and community participation.

Keywords:

• Cervus elephus
• citizen science
• deer
• elk
• Odocoileus hemionus
• student science
• wildlife monitoring