text:
Monitoring Illegal Killing of elephants
Central African Pilot Project
TECHNICAL REPORT No 4
Rene Beyers and John Hart
1 October 2001
3.1 Principles in Developing Site-based Monitoring Programs
3.1.3 Field verification and data collection
3.1.4 Funding and Technical Support
3.2 Overview of the Process of Developing Data Bases and Base Maps
3.2.1 Hardware, Software and Communication Capacity
3.2.2 Geo-referenced Base Image
3.2.3 Integration of Existing Data Bases
4.1 Overview of Site Databases
ANNEX 1. Evaluation of available hardware and software (in French).
ANNEX 2. Evaluation of SE Cameroon monitoring program and database for the MIKE program.
ANNEX 3. Field data collection forms for socio-economic surveys of MIKE sites used in the Pilot Project.
ANNEX 4. Summary of Base Map development process (Example Okapi Wildlife Reserve)
ANNEX 5. Pilot Project base maps
Ituri/ Okapi Wildlife Reserve Odzala National Park Central Gabon / Lope Reserve
ANNEX 6. Site Reporting form for MIKE (Intensive survey sties).
ANNEX 7. Spatial Modelling of Elephant Distribution and Abundance
Site base maps developed from GIS-linked, geo-referenced databases are important tools for data synthesis and analysis, and in the transmission and utilization of information. Base maps have proven to be the single most important document in developing a coherent site-based monitoring program.
This report presents three site base maps, which were developed by the MIKE Pilot Project. The pilot project initiated a new base map for the Ituri/ Okapi Wildife Reserve (DR Congo). The pilot project added information to existing base maps for Lope Reserve (Central Gabon), and Odzala National Park (Northwest Congo).
Base maps were used as a basis for designing and executing elephant dung count surveys, for Law Enforcement Monitoring (LEM), and as a basis for spatial co-variate analysis of elephant distributions during the pilot project.
The most important step in creating a site database is to clearly identify the objectives for monitoring, to which it will be linked. Specific objectives for information use will define the contents of the database, data collection protocols, and data analysis. Technical support, training and data update procedures must also be planned for from the start. Site data bases and base maps must be accessible to potential users, simple enough to update and maintain, and provide products to meet a wide array of needs.
Databases are developed incrementally, and recommended data layers for first generation MIKE base maps include:
Site boundaries Human access and settlement Hydrology and major habitat types Protected area infrastructure and anti-poaching activities (LEM) MIKE elephant Survey locations
These features are likely to be included in any wildlife monitoring site database in Central Africa.
Steps in creating a model database are presented, and the experience of the pilot project is used to provide recommendation on computer and software needs, information transmission, use of satellite imagery, ground verification and electronic (cyber tracker) data collection.
Data archives are inadequately developed in the sub-region, and must be incorporated in the execution of the next phase of MIKE.
The pilot project established that data reporting and transmission of site information to a centralized national program and the CITES / MIKE subunit will require major strengthening and development. A draft Site Report Form, developed during the pilot project is presented. It is recommended that for Central African MIKE sites, this form be prepared and submitted with the elephant survey and LEM spreadsheets provided in Technical Reports 2 and 3, on a trimester (4-month) basis. A model meta-data base structure to aid in management of multi-site data is introduced.
A preliminary spatial analysis of factors affecting elephant distribution and abundance in Odzala NP and vicinity is presented.
The report concludes with an overall evaluation of lessons learned from the pilot project, and recommendations for the development and extension of site-based monitoring programs, including MIKE, in Central Africa.
We would like to acknowledge the important financial contribution of Unites States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in support of the Central African MIKE Pilot Project. The European Union's Central African Forest Conservation Project, (ECOFAC) gave us access to their major site databases, and provided technical support for the development of the MIKE maps. We would like to acknowledge Leonard Akie, ECOFAC data base manager, Pascal Janvier, (TREES), Nadine Laporte and Didier Devers (University of Maryland), Jean Marc Froment (Chef de Composante, ECOFAC/Odzala) and Emmauael Demerode (Projet Vision / Lope) for important contributions. Madame Elize and Emmanuel Obame Nguema assisted in digitising base maps. Finally, we would like to thank and congratulate the pilot project field teams, and the National Elephant Officers of Gabon, DR Congo and Congo for their contributions in collecting and synthesizing field data for the development of the site base maps.
The overall goal of the MIKE program is to provide information on trends in elephant distribution and abundance, and in the factors affecting these, in particular illegal elephant killing. The first three MIKE Pilot Project Technical reports are concerned with information gathering. They provide a rationalization for the design of surveys and suggested methodologies and field protocols for forest elephant inventories, and anti-poaching or law enforcement monitoring (LEM).
Data collection is clearly essential for a monitoring program, but it is not sufficient. All monitoring programs, including MIKE, must plan for data management data syntheses, preliminary analyses and data archives, and for the communication of monitoring results. In essence, monitoring programs must provide for the transformation of data into information.
Turning data into information, and reporting the results proved to be one of the most difficult and problematic components of the MIKE pilot project. This was due to a number of constraints including:
Physical difficulties and high costs of communication Weak links between dispersed field operations and a national, centralized reporting process Inadequate data management Lack of suitable training and needed capacity building for data management.
The linkage between field surveys and reporting have a bearing on the structure and management of national MIKE programs. This will be dealt with in the final Technical Report, Number 6. Capacity building for information management will be further addressed in Technical Report 5 summarizing MIKE training. In this report we will focus on the inputs and structure required to manage and synthesize survey information at the level of the field site.
There may be some question as to why the MIKE monitoring program should concern itself with anything more than data collection and its transmission to CITES. The pilot project experience has shown that both the fidelity of the information acquired, and the sustainability of the monitoring program itself will depend upon the development of capacity, at the national and most significantly, the site level to manage and analyse data. MIKE's future depends upon the application of this information, not only to the CITES mandate, but also to the management and conservation of elephants in the range states.
National elephant programs represented by the National Elephant Officers and by the MIKE sub-regional Steering Committee are the institutional base for MIKE in each of the range states (See Report Number 6). In Central Africa, at least, the MIKE program will also collaborate with international NGOs and selected private sector partners in developing an information base for elephant conservation. The MIKE program must inform national elephant management priorities, and it must also be accessible to wildlife managers and site-based partners who are responsible for elephant conservation and management.
One of the most important conclusions of the MIKE Pilot Project is that data management and synthesis should be initiated in the field by the same individuals responsible for collecting the information. This capacity should be developed at key locations, including designated MIKE sites and other protected areas where MIKE field teams will be based. Information should be reported from these site databases to national MIKE programs.
There are a number of other reasons to develop data management at the site level:
Data syntheses and preliminary analyses provides a basis for the evaluation of survey design, data quality and field protocols. Site-based data management is the principal mechanism by which MIKE monitoring data will be available to site-based elephant conservation and management programs. Site-based data archives represent a backup in case of data loss or failed communication at the national level.
Cost for site-based data management will include expenses of replicated computers and associated hardware, software and power sources, and a major investment in training. A decentralized approach to data management will require reinforcement of communication between the field and national office. These costs and constraints are not insignificant.
Given the experience of the pilot project, centralized data management is not adequately developed in any country in the region (though some countries have made a commitment to this). It will neither be developed rapidly, nor in isolation of site-based inputs. At the completion of the 24-month pilot project in July 2001,few elephant officers showed that they could manage MIKE data, and communicate results on their own. One conclusion of the pilot experience is that for the immediate future, data management remain de-centralized and site-based, and that centralized data management programs, including MIKE, be built from the bottom up, from site-based data management programs.
The objective of this Pilot Project Technical Report are to provide a basic framework for information management at the level of the survey site and field base, and to provide draft protocols for reporting forms to communicate MIKE site data from the field to the national MIKE office, and from there to CITES.
The specific products included here are:
An overview to the function and process in site databases and mapping, with special reference to the MIKE program. Pilot project products: including
Site base maps Model data management program Site reporting form
Recommend data management procedures for MIKE sites. An overview of capacity building needs for site database and GIS management.
The report also provides an introduction to spatial modelling, an analytical approach that allows an evaluation of factors explaining variation in elephant distribution and abundance, and identifying correlates of illegal elephant killing.
All monitoring programs must plan at the outset for a means to manage data and information and, and to communicate results. The essential elements of this process include :
Data summary and synthesis Incorporation of monitoring data and information into site databases linked to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. Updating of site databases and base maps. Archiving data bases Communication of information to CITES and other users.
Databases and base maps are the critical component of site-based monitoring programs (Figure 3.1). Base maps inform survey design and receive feedback from the field in the form of geo-referenced survey data in a four-step updating process.
Figure 3.1. The GIS and base map in the monitoring cycle
Maps are the single most important tool for organizing, analysing and communicating monitoring information. GIS programs are an especially useful tool for managing monitoring data. With GIS programs map production is directly linked to data bases. This provides a means to update maps rapidly and permits maps to be produced in relation to specific objectives and outputs.
3.1 Principles in Developing Site-based Monitoring Programs
The development of all monitoring programs, including the MIKE program is guided by the following principles:
The most important step in establishing a monitoring program is to clearly identify the objectives for monitoring, the needs for information, and how this information must be presented to meet user needs. The more specific the objectives, and data collection protocols, the more functional a data base.
The purpose of the MIKE monitoring is two fold: to provide information to CITES in support of the MIKE mandate, and secondly, to contribute to an information base for site-based elephant conservation and for the development and application of national elephant management policies.
The specific objectives of the site data bases for the MIKE program are to provide:
A GIS-based, geographically referenced template for entering spatially explicit data, which was collected either remotely or in the field. Base maps to guide sampling design and the placement of survey transects. Cartographic and tabular outputs for navigation in the field and locating sampling units. A data set for spatial modelling of elephant dung data.
3.1.2 Incremental development.
Data bases evolve continually. Yet it is essential as soon as possible in this process, to produce a useable data base, and a base map that is spatially comprehensive, and that contains the minimum, immediately essential information. It is also important that the initial data base and map are a platform on which additional information and coverages can be added as these become available, and that a process for data updating is foreseen from the start.
The following were considered the minimum essential inputs for the first generation base maps for MIKE survey sites:
A geo-referenced base map, preferably from a recent satellite image and digitised in Arc View (or compatible GIS program)
Protected Area boundaries and associated infrastructure and key sites (patrol posts). Human settlements (classified at least by relative population size), Roads, navigable rivers or other access Major hydrology
Pilot project inputs to this basic map included
Data from elephant inventories (See Reports 1 and 2). Law Enforcement Monitoring (LEM) (See Report 3), including
Indicators of elephant poaching: carcasses, poacher camps, encounters with poachers, etc. Anti-poaching effort and results (infrastructure, mobile patrol routes, arrests, seizures.
Additional inputs for selected maps included:
Major habitat formations. Zones and locations of economic activity. Topography Important landscape features
3.1.3 Field verification and data collection.
Assure a process for verification and collection of geo-referencing data at the outset. Rationalized survey design and data collection protocols are essential for this. After building a well-documented database information can be readily updated.
During the pilot project, available, existing data sets were evaluated, and incorporated into site databases as possible. Original data on human presence, socio-economic variables, human access and habitat were collected by field teams using survey designs and field protocols presented in the Pilot Project technical reports
3.1.4 Funding and Technical Support.
It is unlikely that all resources for a base map and base map will be available at the outset. It is essential to use available funds to produce a first useable product, and then seek additional funding to improve and expand this. The first priority is to ensure that data base managers are identified and that their basic training and support is provided for.
In the MIKE pilot project, base maps were developed in collaboration with site partners to better ensure continuity following the pilot phase.
Training and support for data base management is a continuous process, and should include auto- didactic approaches to enhance sustainability. Project leaders should have a specified program to evaluate capacity and effectiveness of training.
The pilot project training program is presented and evaluated in Technical Report 5.
3.2 Overview of the Process of Developing Data Bases and Base Maps.
Figure 4.2 gives an example of the process that was followed for the production of a site database, base map and other GIS products. GIS products include maps and associated attribute tables. Attribute tables contain information that is linked to features on a map. For example the village layer shows the location of villages on a map and the linked record in the attribute table includes the name of the village, the number of inhabitants, main ethnic groups and other socio-economic data. Both the cartographic component of the data and the attribute tables can be updated, queried and analysed.
The basic steps used in producing site base maps are the following:
Evaluate site-based hardware soft ware and communication needs. Identify a suitable geo-referenced base image or map Integrate existing databases for the site. Evaluate gaps and provide training for site-based data managers. Collect field data.
Each of the steps is analysed below, with specific recommendations based on the pilot experience provided
Figure 4.2: overview of the technical process of the creation of a site base map and other GIS outputs.
3.2.1 Hardware, Software and Communication Capacity
Data management and reporting in the pilot project and subsequent phases will be done electronically. It will be necessary to have computers at each site where databases will be managed. For the pilot project, site-based computers belonging to the primary collaborating partner (EU/ECOFAC) were used at Odzala. The pilot project supplied a site-based laptop and software for Ituri, and provided a centrally located desktop computer in Libreville for the national office, for the Gabon program. In addition, national elephant officers were provided with lap top computers and basic software in Cameron, CAR, Congo and DR Congo.
Significant hardware and software problems were encountered at a number of sites, necessitating professional support. This will continue to be the case in subsequent phases of MIKE. All monitoring programs, including MIKE, should plan that hardware service and backup are provided for in any monitoring budget.
Site-based computer systems, including backups, are the essential component of the monitoring infrastructure. A centrally based data management program, without field based computing power and capacity for electronic data transmission is inefficient, and not recommended.
Electronic field data collection (cyber trackers) was tested in Odzala, and results are generally favourable. An assessment is provided in Technical Report 2. The adaptation of Cyber-tracker to the MIKE program should be pursued if all technical issues can be dealt with successfully.
Software used during the MIKE program included Window's based MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. Site databases were managed in a Geographic Information System (GIS) with the Arcview environment from ESRI as the main component. Satellite image analysis was done in PCI, ERDAS Imagine and Arcview Image Analyst. However the latter will generally not be done at the site level. MapInfo Professional 5 was used for certain spatial operations and some elephant officers used MapInfo as their primary GIS package.
We recommend that as a minimum, each site should posses a data base manager with capacity to use word processing, Excel, and have some capacity to manage maps in ArcView (though full competence is not necessary to start with). We also recommend that Access or a comparable data management software, and Distance 3.5 (for analysis of line transect data) be included in the priority software kit for each site (See Report 2). As with hardware, back up program CDs must be available at each site, and technical support available on a scheduled basis to trouble shoot, and assist with software problems..
Essentially all national officers and field leaders used computers during the pilot project. In all cases, however, further training is needed. Some officers need remedial basic training. Untrained or inadequately trained field staff seriously corrupted data files and program files during the course of the pilot project.
Communication from field sties remains a critical problem in Central Africa. No pilot site had an adequately developed communication system (An adequate system was defined as including VH radio, satellite phone and fax, and preferably also satellite email,). Odzala had all of these components but email. Some pilot sites lacked any form of communication. Inadequate communication is a very important gap that must be filled during the next phase of MIKE. Collaboration with site-based partners may provide the best array of options to build this capacity. At sites with severely limited communication capacity, data transfer will need to be accomplished physically, with National Officers personally collecting data files during scheduled site visits.
All pilot sites had some form of power generation. Back up solar or other power sources must be foreseen. As with communication infrastructure, investments in site-based power sources could be shared with site-based partners in the next phase of MIKE.
The form used to evaluate existing site based infrastructure for data management is provided in ANNEX 1.
3.2.2 Geo-referenced Base Image
It is essential to initiate a base map with a cartographic platform to which added coverages and additional information can be readily incorporated. To date we have used satellite images, radar imagery, air photo compilations, and commercially available reference maps for base images. Of these, at the pilot sites satellite images proved to be the best base image for GIS map development.
The most important advantage of satellite images is that they show many of the major human settlement and human access features and basic cover types we are immediately concerned with. They have proven to be easiest document to geo-reference, and have presented the least problems with disjunctions (décallage) as new coverage types have been brought in (such as forestry concession limits).
Satellite images present the problem in that many features cannot be interpreted without ground truthing or field verification. However, it is important to point out that while images contain much potential information (including land use and cover types). It is not necessary to be able to interpret all of these image features to begin to use the image for mapping. Many of the essential features for first generation maps were readily extracted from images without need for field verification. Nevertheless, field geo-referencing using hand held Geo-positioning devices (GPS) is essential and must be planned for early on in the base map development.
The imagery we used in the pilot project base maps was made available without cost (in collaboration with remote sensing partners). The first generation base maps were geo-referenced in the field, and digitised with less than three months of field controls, and computer work.
3.2.3 Integration of Existing Data Bases
Much information of pertinence to the MIKE program was available at all pilot sites. This included anti-poaching patrol reports, village censuses and surveys, faunal inventories, habitat maps. In many cases the information was not accompanied by adequate geo-referencing. However, other data sources are well documented and can be brought into the site data base. An evaluation of existing data and information, including its accessibility, coverage and format, should be undertaken at the initiation of the MIKE program to determine its suitability for MIKE data bases. It is also important to specify how existing data will be updated.
3.2.4 Training Data Base Managers
Most of the sites with active mapping programs have used nationally based resources to train staff in GIS management. In every case, locally-based national staff managed the base maps. Training in GIS and data base management have been among the most important inputs in improving staff capacity. Training is dealt with in further detail in Report Number 5.
Field data collection for data bases should be based on appropriate survey design and follow specific protocols. MIKE data include elephant population inventories, and Law Enforcement Monitoring. Survey design and protocols for data collection are provided in Pilot Projects Reports 1 through 3. Additional site data include basic habitat maps, human settlement, and economic activity. Preliminary data collection forms were developed during the pilot project for human settlement surveys in Ituri Forest (see below), and habitat data was collected on elephant inventories. These inputs were incorporated into the base maps.
This chapter presents the pilot project data bases and base maps produced during the pilot project. In addition, we provide specific technical recommendations for modifying and improving data bases for the next phase of the monitoring program. A presentation of overall lessons learned and general recommendations is found in chapter 7, below.
4.1 Overview of Site Databases
Site databases were developed at the three principal pilot sites: Ituri (Okapi Wildlife Reserve), Odzala National Park and vicinity, and Central Gabon (Lope Reserve). The pilot project contributed to existing data bases at Odzala, and initiated a new data base in Ituri and Lope. In addition, an existing monitoring database for Southeast Cameroon tri-national zone was evaluated during the pilot project (See ANNEX 2.
Table 4.1 gives a summary of the features that were included in the spatial site databases for all three field pilot sites.
Table 4.1. Initial Data base inputs for MIKE monitoring program
River network |
Radar |
Villages |
Topographic maps/Tabular census data |
Forest exploitation permits |
Roads |
Topographic map |
Law enforcement infrastructure |
Law enforcement : patrols and results |
Park boundaries |
Socio-economic data for villages in the south |
Field data |
MIKE (with ECOFAC 3)) |
Villages for the region |
Topographic maps & local knowledge |
Roads |
Topographic maps |
Rivers in and outside the park |
Topographic maps |
Vegetation classes for part of the park |
Landsat 7 image |
Park boundaries (new and old) |
Law enforcement |
Cybertracker data |
Hydrology: main rivers |
Landsat 5 |
MIKE (with UMD 5)) |
Main road network |
Landsat 5 and field |
Villages |
Field and Landsat 5 |
Camps for mining, fishing, etc. |
Field |
Park boundaries |
CARPE and Landsat 5 |
Edos (forest clearings) |
Field |
Law enforcement and results |
Field |
Vegetation classes |
Landsat 5 and field validation |
1) WRI: World Resources Institute, Washington D.C., USA
2) DFC: Direction de la Faune et de la Chasse, Gabon
3) ECOFAC : Conservation et utilisation rationnelle des Ecosystèmes Forestiers d'Afrique Centrale, EU
4) TREES : Tropical Ecosystem Environment observation by Satellite, Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Ispra, Italy
5) UMD: NASA Pathfinder project, University or Maryland, USA
Data base inputs include existing data and information (see above), opportunistic information for the site and systematic surveys managed by MIKE and collaborating monitoring programs.
Field data collection forms and survey protocols for MIKE elephant and LEM surveys are presented in detail in Pilot Project Technical Reports (1 through 3). In addition, the pilot project undertook socio-economic surveys at two sites, Odzala and Ituri. Data collection forms for these exercises are presented in ANNEX 3.
We recommend that systematic data collection incorporate the following:
A rationalized survey design be developed for all data collection (this will include design unbiased and model-unbiased survey design. (See Technical Report 1). All protocols, including socio-economic and other surveys, be harmonized across MIKE sites. Data collection be made compatible with a cybertracker data collection.
Two base maps were produced by the pilot project and contributions were made to a third one. We use the base map development for the Ituri Forest pilot site (Okapi Wildlife Reserve) to illustrate the process of database and base map development. Prior to the MIKE program, no comprehensive, current map existed for the Ituri region, and so the pilot project provided the first base map ever for this area. ANNEX 4 summarizes this base map process.
Base maps produced by the pilot project for three pilot sites are provided in ANNEX 5. Specific details for each of these maps is given in the text below.
Table 4.3 gives an overview of the sources of the features that were included in the different site base maps.
TABLE 4.3 Coverage features included on MIKE site base maps.
Source Feature |
Satellite data |
Cartographic data |
Tabular and text data |
Field data (GPS) |
Human access |
Roads |
Roads |
Road access and condition, point features (bridges etc.) |
Rivers |
Rivers |
River access, point features (waterfalls, etc.) |
Human Presence |
Major towns and human occupation |
Villages and towns |
Socio-economic data |
Human settlements and socio-economic data |
Human Activity |
Forest exploitation |
Forest and other exploitation concessions |
Human activity sign |
Conservation status |
Verification of protected area boundaries |
Protected area boundaries |
Protected area boundaries |
Protected area infrastructure |
Protected area infrastructure |
Protected area infrastructure |
Law enforcement |
Patrol routes, law enforcement results |
Conservation or development project |
Habitat |
Hydrology |
Hydrology |
Major river systems |
Vegetation |
Vegetation |
Vegetation ground verification |
Countries |
Country boundaries |
Demographic, social, economic and political status of country |
Known Elephant range |
Elephant range |
Elephant range |
Table 4.3: Geographic features of base maps and sources of data
Interaction between the field and the lab is crucial to get good quality data, to interpret the image, to solve punctual problems with field data collection and to avoid collecting redundant or useless information.
In reality, during the pilot project, we had very limited means of communication and it often took many weeks to exchange information between the field and the lab. It would be extremely useful to invest in good communication tools (e.g. satellite phone with email link) whenever and wherever such a mapping exercise is undertaken. Field data files could be uploaded, entered in the GIS and checked in a matter of hours, so that field teams can be guided and timely informed of eventual problems.
Roads, still water and rivers were digitised on screen from the satellite image. Only the bigger rivers and some others not covered by canopy were reliably digitised. Condition of the roads was described in the field in terms of accessibility (by truck, by car, by bicycle). Roads themselves were digitised on screen from the image. Trailheads of important connecting footpaths were localised in the field and plotted on the map. These footpaths will be followed in the future using continuous GPS tracking and then plotted on the map. Navigability of rivers was also recorded in the field, but this information is still incomplete.
Park boundaries were taken from the CARPE (Central African Regional Program for the Environment) GIS database for Central Africa. Boundaries were adjusted to natural limits (rivers and roads) that were visible on the satellite image. When proper marking of the park will be done in the field, the GIS should be updated accordingly.
New, geo-referenced field data was gathered by field teams on the ground. Data input can also take advantage of aerial videography and other remote detection methods. The crucial feature is to ensure adequate geo-referencing. In Ituri, field teams recorded all villages around the park and geographic positions were taken with GPS. They collected socio-economic (presence of schools, clinics, economic activities) and demographic data. Data collection sheets for the Ituri area are shown in ANNEX 3. These forms also permit updating of existing data on these coverages. Whenever another settlement in the forest was found (mining camps, fishing camps) a GPS position was recorded.
Vegetation classification of the image is currently being done using unsupervised and supervised classification algorithms combined with field data of vegetation recorded on the MIKE transects.
The geographic component of the GIS can be further refined and more detailed geographic data (e.g. smaller rivers, forest clearings) can be added as information becomes available or as a more detailed analysis of images and other sources is carried out. Other "base map" information, which would be useful to add when available, includes topography and administrative boundaries.
Specific elements of the three base maps are further discussed under each heading below:
A few topographic maps exist for the Lope region. However the more detailed 1:200 000 and 1:50 000 maps are not available for the Lope reserve itself. Rivers and roads were originally digitized from the 1:1 000 000 topographic maps. Serious problems with location accuracy and completeness for major rivers on these maps were discovered after the first draft and it was subsequently dropped. Using GPS, we also found that the existing topographic maps were not always well geo-referenced. Therefore we used radar imagery to digitise the hydrological network. It is very difficult to find good satellite images in the visible light spectrum for Gabon because of permanent cloud cover during most of the year. Radar imagery doesn't suffer from this as radio microwaves travel easily through cloud cover. Unfortunately we had no time to verify the quality of the ortho rectification of the source image and location accuracy of the digitised map since this was done near the end of the field work.
Rivers and roads were digitized from topographic maps. A shift of up to 250 m was noted in the field between GPS and map locations. Location of human settlements was digitized from the topographic maps and verified with ECOFAC team members for their existence.
A more detailed socio-economic survey of the villages and temporary settlements south of the park was undertaken by a consultant who was hired by the MIKE Pilot project. Besides valuable data, this survey also provided an opportunity to test and develop field data collection protocols and forms for spatially linked socio-economic data. Forms and protocols were harmonized with ECOFAC data protocols to ensure compatibility of datasets with ECOFAC sites. (ECOFAC is one of the biggest conservation projects in Central Africa and manages 8 sites in the region).
An unsupervised classification was carried out by Pascale Janvier for the European TREES project on a landsat 7 image for a big part of the park. Field data collected by MIKE teams include data on vegetation and will be used to ground-truth the image and will lead to a more reliable classification.
Refer in this section to Annex 4 for a summary of the Ituri Base Map process. No reliable or accurate maps were available for this area. The regional CARPE dataset was initially used but was found too inaccurate for working at the smaller scale of the Ituri reserve for which this database was not designed. Other sources of information, including digitized aerial photographs, were also explored but none of these were accurate enough and showed particular problems with geo-referencing. We decided that satellite images would give us the best base to build upon. A Landsat 5 image from the southern part of the reserve was geo-referenced with field GPS locations of features that were visible on the image. We collaborated on this with the NASA Pathfinder project, hosted at the University of Maryland at College park. . In the first step a cloud-fee or cloud-poor image was selected and Ground Control Points (GPC) were identified on the image that could be easily and precisely located in the field (e.g. a river confluence, a road crossing a river, etc.). GPS recordings of these points in the field permitted subsequent geo-referencing of the image in the lab. Accurate topographic maps could also be used as a backdrop and make digitising of geographic features much easier (features are clear and distinct), but for most of the region good maps were not available and corrections of these maps were often necessary.
Several expeditions were set up by the MIKE field teams to obtain information on human access (road condition, major river access), human presence (villages, camps), socio-economic data and major footpaths. GPS locations of all human settlements around the park were recorded and overlaid on the satellite image. This permitted a visual check of human occupied and human modified habitat.
Roads were digitised from the satellite image; condition of the road was described in the field and added to the attribute table in the GIS. Main rivers were also digitised from the satellite image.
Fine scale printouts were made and compared with previously digitized rivers from aerial photographs. Important rivers were traced on the printouts with input of expert knowledge. This aided in the digitizing process. GPS points taken in the field also helped identify important rivers.
4.4 Use of Base Maps by the MIKE Program
The site base maps constituted a well geo-referenced template for adding a wide range of spatially linked information on wildlife, law enforcement monitoring, human impact, economic and political features, etc.
Three lines of GIS output were particularly useful in the Pilot Project:
Base for developing elephant dung count survey plan Law Enforcement Monitoring Maps Covariate modelling for spatial analysis
The GIS provided the base map for allocating sampling effort and laying out the sampling design. Although no stratification was done for the pilot sampling plan, we considered stratifying for accessibility, which would not be possible without proper base maps containing information on access. This process is detailed in Technical Report 1.
In the case of Odzala and Lope, a grid was generated, overlaid on the base map and sampling units (recce-transects) were located in the centre of systematically sampled grid cells. Coordinates of start and end points of recce-transects were stored in a table.
Map, table and GPS were taken into the field to locate sampling locations. The maps and GIS were also used to determine the most efficient route between sampling locations on a particular monitoring trip.
Sampling design and placement of transects has recently been automated in DISTANCE 4.0 software using Arcview compatible files. With small modifications for the proposed MIKE sampling design this program could be used in the future to generate sampling designs.
4.4.2 Law Enforcement Monitoring
Spatially linked law enforcement data can easily be entered in the GIS and plotted on the base maps. Spatio-temporal data on law enforcement effort (patrol routes, patrol frequency etc.) and law enforcement results (indicators of illegal killing of wildlife, poachers arrests, etc.) are among the most important correlates of elephant distribution, and illegal elephant killing. A GIS-produced map provides a strong visual and analytical aid for this assessment and can help identify priority areas, resource needs, management needs etc. Law enforcement monitoring data is essential for understanding the relationship between protection, elephant killing and elephant abundance. Protection is an important covariate in spatial modelling explained below.
Technical Report 3 presents the results of the pilot project law enforcement monitoring program.
Data bases serve little use unless the information is updated on a rational basis, and properly archived. Data archives must include information on survey design, and sets must be archived. The same schedule for data updates need not apply for all data fields. The important point is that surveys and data analysis anticipate and respond to expressed information needs, and that information be captured in an adequate data storage system. Protocols for both updating and data archiving should be agreed to at the start of the monitoring program.
Data updates can be done on in a variety of ways, but systematic surveys should include timing for resurveys, and inputs into a data base should be done on a scheduled and controlled basis to ensure quality control. This latter recommendation would be modified in the case of a data base being linked to a cyber tracker, in which case updates would be linked to the cyber program.
Although the pilot project did not deal with this directly, the pilot experience nevertheless has provided some insight into the process and qualified recommendations for an updating program. We provide a range of recommended update periods. Factors affecting this include the rate of change of the phenomena in question, available funds for surveys, logistical constraints, and the availability of survey teams. Schedules for data updating will have to remain flexible, as highly dynamic situations will require more frequent surveys.
Elephant surveys: We suggest at forested sites systematic ground surveys using MIKE methods occur on a 24 to 36 month cycle, with surveys covering 9 month to 12 month periods, separated by 12 to 24 months. LEM Monitoring should occur in conjunction with anti-poaching programs, and should provide a continuous monitoring of anti-poaching activities at some level. Monitoring reports should be adapted and scheduled to provide pertinent inputs to guide anti-poaching programs. LEM summaries for MIKE should be reported in conjunction with site report forms (see Section 6 below). For the pilot project we recommended site reports on a 4 month basis (three times/year). However, monthly, 6-month or annual reporting schedules are also possible. Human access and settlement. Updates every two to five years. The choice of timing depends upon the rate of change in the survey region. Collaboration with national administrations, churches, private sector or other partners may be possible for these censuses. Socio-economic co-variates. Updates every two to five years, as above. Habitat. Updates every two to ten years, as above. Updates for these parameters should be based on integration of updated imagery. Availability of these images will determine the schedule of updates..
During the pilot project we explored options of data archives with ECOFAC.
Of the pilot sites, only Odzala had a system of data archives, but this system was not evaluated during the pilot project. Within the Central African sub-region, data archives are rare and generally not well managed. Where archives occured they were usually limited to a single site, with negligible backup at the national or regional level. This is certainly an areas that will require significant input in the next phase of MIKE.
Decisions such as who and how data can be accessed, data ownership etc. must be well-understood and agreements reached before proceeding with the full-scale program. At present, MIKE data is a national product, and managed through the national MIKE structure.
Data archives are a major product of all long term monitoring programs. Cooke et al (2001) lay out basic principles and recommended practices for data archives that should be incorporated into the MIKE program:
Assign descriptive file names. File names should reflect file content includes location, survey period, investigator, file type. Use consistent and stable file formats. Use ASCII formats, and retain the same file structure throughout. The first row should contain identification information and companion file listings. Define parameters and all data fields. Be sure that the data field titles are spelled out, and that the units of measure are indicated. Use standard, unambiguous notation for dates and time and spatial coordinates. Specify codes for missing data, and unknown values. It is critical to be able to distinguish an observed "zero" from no observation made.. Use a consistent data organization. Standard practice is to use columns as data fields, and each observation in its own row. Perform regular quality control. Check for data entry mistakes by doing sort and extract exercises and investigate all outlier data values. Conduct statistical summaries of results (frequency distributions, means and variances). In some cases double data entry may be used to check for data entry errors.. Provide documentation. The documentation accompanying a data file should be written in a separate file. Do not use acronyms. Plan to have this document read up to 20 years into the future. Provide the following information for each file (or set of linked files):
Data set name Why data collected What data were collected What instruments used Who was responsible for data collection, and key participants/team members. How each parameter was measured. Summary statistics generated.
6.1 Pilot Project Reporting Forms
The MIKE site summary reporting form developed during the pilot project is presented in ANNEX 6. This form provides data on elephant survey and LEM effort, and results. Data on protected status, and basic socio-economic parameters and indicators are also provided. The site report form is to be submitted with attached elephant survey (recce transect) and LEM spread sheets. The two spread sheets are presented and discussed in detail in Technical Reports 2 and 3
The site report form is designed to be submitted on a regular basis to CITES. Originally it was proposed that the reports be made on a monthly basis by national elephant officers to their national steering committee representative. During the pilot project, we learned that logistical and financial constraints and communication problems would make it unlikely that national officers could visit all the MIKE survey sites in their country on a monthly basis. In addition, many sites had low levels of activity so that monthly visits would produce very little information. By the same token, if site reports are filed at too infrequent a basis, then information will likely be lost and the data quality degraded.
We propose a compromise timing of trimestrial report, with each report and accompanying spreadsheets covering a four month period.
Not all national officers provided final summary reports following the pilot project. This was due to a number of factors, including turnover of national officers at the end of the pilot project, communication problems, lack of computer capacity, and lack of familiarity with the data. The three pilot site officers (field team leaders), in contrast, all completed and submitted forms for their specific site, and in some cases undertook analyses as well. We recommend that the MIKE programme consider direct reporting of by site officers to the MIKE Sub-regional Coordinating Officer in some cases. Further details for reporting structure are provided in Technical Report 6 which evaluates national elephant programs.
The draft reporting form included in this report is designed to completed by each of the Field Team Leaders in a national MIKE program, in collaboration with the national officer. Copies should be retained by the Field Team Leader, collaborating NGO or other site partners.
The geographic area covered by a given site report is the area covered by the designated field team. Normally, these teams would be based in protected areas, and specifically in designated MIKE sites. Surveys, however would cover a much wider area, and the site report would summarize information over this wider area as well. Recommendations for developing a strategic approach to a national survey program are presented in Report 6.
Site data can be managed in a metadatabase. This has potential to be developed to a national MIKE data management system. A simple metadatabase for spatial information was developed to keep track of incoming spatial information and spatial processing of GIS layers. A very simple user friendly interface was developed in Filemaker Pro 4 for Windows (figure 4.3) to handle data entry and retrieval.
We had often difficulties to track down the source and data of much of the original source information and maps. Besides satellite images, for which a good reference was always available, we depended on existing maps and other data in digital format but very rarely this information was accompanied by a description of the source and the quality and uncertainty of the information. It was therefore often difficult to gauge the quality of the source material and this became sometimes only apparent in the field. It is critical to ensure proper documentation of source data for site data bases in the next phase of MIKE.
The database was also useful to systematically record the updating and processing of GIS layers and spatial data. Non-spatial data such as field datasheets, reports etc could also be entered in the database.
We want to emphasize here that a system to keep track of incoming spatial information is essential for the production of a reliable product. Local data managers should be encouraged to use a system, which allows them to organise multiple files and sources of spatial information and to keep track of the important process of updating.
Figure 4.3: main window interface of spatial metadatabase for the Central African MIKE Pilot project
Essentially all sites will need capacity to maintain and utilize data bases, update data files, print and modify maps, and ensure some level of data analysis. Some of this capacity, in particular that which requires more advanced training, will be shared between sites. At least one person at each site should have computer capacity.
MIKE national officers should have the same basic computer capacity as the Site Officers (Field Team Leaders). In addtiona, they should have training in GIS and Access data bas management.
An evaluation of the pilot training program and recommendations for strengthening capacity are provided in Report 5..
Certain environmental and human factors are known to have an important effect on elephant distribution and abundance. These factors can be used in a model to explain variation in elephant densities across the study area. In this model elephant density is dependent on a set of independent variables, covariates with their respective constants that describe the relationship between the independent variable (e.g. distance from roads) and the dependent variable (elephant abundance).
An important covariate in the model that initiated the MIKE project is the CITES decision to down list the elephant from appendix I to appendix II for three Southern African countries. The original goal of the MIKE project was to show if there was a link between this decision and increased illegal killing of elephants and consequent decline of elephant abundance. However in our understanding it was generally accepted in the course of the Central African Pilot project that this causal link would be extremely difficult or even impossible to establish. It was agreed that the wider objective of MIKE was to inform the CITES debate by documenting trends in illegal killing and abundance of elephants and the factors that drive these trends.
Many variables that have an influence on elephants are spatially explicit.
For example in previous studies a strong correlation was found between distance from roads and elephant densities in Gabon (e.g. Barnes et al. 1991, Barnes et al. 1995). Areas close to roads are easily accessible by poachers and suffer from heavy hunting, while areas further away have higher elephant densities. Condition and accessibility of the road, distance to the nearest town etc. could also play a role.
Spatial variables that may have an impact on elephants in the Central African forests include:
Human access: distance from roads, navigable rivers and major footpaths Human presence: villages, temporary camps Human activity and exploitation of natural resources: forestry, mining, agriculture. Protection: distance from the boundary of a protected area, distance from protection bases, patrolled areas and patrol routes Distance from an international boundary Habitat, vegetation types Topography
Non-spatial variables include:
The CITES downlisting of elephants Socio-economic status of the country Political status of the country: peaceful areas versus war zones
A spatial model that includes spatial covariates can be fitted to the transect or recce-transect data (Hedley, Buckland and Borchers,1999) using generalized additive models.
The benefits of spatial modelling are:
an improvement in precision of encounter or density estimates and thus our ability to detect significant trends in elephant densities. an assessment of which variables are related to animal densities a density map for the study area showing projected densities of elephants (or elephant dung)
The model will help us understand the complex relationships between poaching and elephants. When temporal data become available a spatial model could be fitted to each year's data to obtain a density estimate for any location for which a trend estimate is required (Buckland and Underwood, 2000). Trends in elephant densities can then be interpreted in relation to spatial factors affecting these.
An example analysis (annex 7) was carried out on the Odzala elephant data, modelling elephant dung encounter rates as a function of distance from roads and villages, and distance from protection infrastructure and patrol routes. The preliminary results of this analysis show an important improvement in precision (coefficient of variation was almost halved) and a projected density map of elephant dung in the surveyed area.
The following points summarize the major conclusions of the pilot project experience with data management and reporting, and provide recommendations for reporting for the next phase of MIKE.
1) Monitoring programs must be site based and developed at a landscape scale
Monitoring must inform site-based management. Monitoring has to provide information important to the site manager and collaborating NGOs, as well as providing information for CITES/MIKE.
Interpretation of MIKE survey and LEM results will depend upon information of the broader landscape context of the survey area.
This includes the larger spatial matrix of the surrounding human occupied areas. Issues pertinent to MIKE include:
Impact of forestry and mining activities on elephant distribution and abundance, and on illegal killing. Relationship of illegal killing to settlement, international frontiers, military operations. Evidence of trans boundary elephant movements.
2) Site base maps and site data bases are essential
Maps and their GIS linked databases have proven to be the most effective means to integrate and present a broad and diverse information base for each site. It is important to maintain the databases at the site itself where the information will be readily available. Data archives, if not at the site, must also be accessible.
A high quality geo-referenced satellite image has proven to be the best base image for a GIS platform. Good images are readily verified in the field, are the best platform on which to incorporate new data fields and new imagery.
3) Information management and transmission has not developed at same pace as data generation
Much biological and sociological information exists at a number of sites. More attention to sampling design and analysis is needed in many cases. Many surveys and wildlife inventories were conducted as one-time efforts with little consideration for further sampling. Repeated surveys over time, however, will be the only way to evaluate trends in the key features of a protected area. If the design of data collection programs is adequately simple these can be repeated over time despite changing staff and resources. Simple, standardized data collection constitutes the most valuable long-term program.
There was limited capacity to analyse, manage and transmit information at essentially all MIKE pilot sites. As a result, much information that is properly collected is inadequately utilized, and sometimes lost. There is a poor cost benefit ratio of information cost to information utility.
Computer capacity must be maintained at each site. During the course of the pilot year, three of the five field laptops for the national officers had significant problems that constrained information management and transmission. Monitoring program must budget for computer and software maintenance, and plan for data back up.
4) Develop monitoring programs incrementally:
Start with base map and simple databases that can be built upon and developed in steps. Focus on information that is needed immediately: This includes LEM, key faunal surveys, selected socio-economic information.
5) Train continuously and evaluate capacity frequently.
The focus should include data base management and capacity to produce and communicate specified output (maps, spread sheets, site reports)
6) Integrate MIKE with other monitoring programs from the start.
Monitoring programs must be harmonized if they are to succeed. Information needs of diverse monitoring programs will likely overlap, and this should be incorporated into collaborative design. The MIKE program must make data management and information transmission its first priority.
Barnes, R.F.W., Barnes, K.L., Alers, M.P.T and A. Blom 1991. Man determines the distribution of elephants in the rain forests of northeastern Gabon. African Journal of Ecology, Vol. 29, pp. 54-65
Barnes-R-F-W; Blom-A; Alers-M-P-T; Barnes-K-L 1995. An estimate of the numbers of forest elephants in Gabon.. Journal of Tropical Ecology 11(1): 27-37
Buckland, S.T. and F.M. Underwood. 2000. Analysis of data and survey design for the mike central African pilot project: first interim report
Cook, R.B., R.J. Olson, P Kanciruk and L Hook. 2001. Best Practices for preparing ecological data sets to share and archive. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America 82 (2): 138-141.
Hedley, S.L., Buckland, S.T. and Borchers, D.L. 1999. Spatial modelling from line transect data. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 1, 255-64.
Hedley, S.L., Buckland, S.T. and Borchers, D.L. in prep. Spatial models for line transect sampling.
ANNEX 1: Evaluation of available hardware and software (in French).
ANNEX 2: Evaluation of SE Cameroon monitoring program and database for the MIKE program.
ANNEX 3: Field data collection forms for socio-economic surveys of MIKE sites used in the Pilot Project.
ANNEX 4: Summary of Base Map development process (Example Okapi Wildlife Reserve)
ANNEX 5: Pilot Project base maps
Ituri/ Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Odzala National Park
Central Gabon / Lope Reserve
ANNEX 6: Site reporting form for MIKE (Intensive survey sties).
ANNEX 7: Spatial Modelling of Elephant Distribution and Abundance
Mapa del sitio | Búsqueda | FAQ y contacto | Portada |


text: I've used a ton of different preworkout, but the best one I have found is animal rage in pill form. I have built no resistance to it in the past 4 canisters, and I have yet to crash or have jitters after a workout. Anyone agree or is there a better one I should try?

subset: commoncrawl


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Beaches adopts more than 1,000 students |
Thursday, 01 July 2010 10:37 | |||
Beaches Resort Villages and Spa and its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, announced the adoption of Clement Howell High School, the largest public high school in the Turks and Caicos Islands with more than 1,000 students. The foundation has committed to assist with general up-keep of the buildings and beautification of the surroundings as well as monthly school visits. In addition, the charity will also take an active role in assistance through participation in curriculum such as tourism in school, cultural exhibition and National Track and Field championship games. The foundation has already drafted a 12-month curriculum aimed at enhancing the school. The first project on the agenda is to establish a sick bay, install water pumps at the school and provide CPR training for teachers. Other projects include commencing the highly anticipated library building project and implementing a high school breakfast feeding program for underprivileged students. Lloyd Fearon, who has been principal of the school for the past five years and has been working tirelessly to find a corporate sponsor for the government high school, expressed his appreciation for this new initiative. "We are grateful that the Sandals Foundation saw our need and now officially recognizes our institution as one of their adopted schools," he said. "Providing assistance to the school in the form of teacher training, infrastructural upgrades, and the donation of new technology and books is an investment to both the school as well as the future of the Turks and Caicos." Louise Garland-Thomas, assistant education director also in attendance at the adoption ceremony June 24, said "It's not an easy task for a company to adopt a school of over one thousand students. I applaud the Sandals Foundation for taking on this new initiative." Heidi Clarke, director of the Sandals Foundation, said the group is pleased to add Clement Howell to their group of adopted schools. "The Sandals Foundation puts education of our region's youth as one of our top priorities," she said. "We look forward to working with the parents, staff and students at Clement Howell High in our mission to be part of positive change." This is the second government school that Beaches and its foundation have adopted on Providenciales, the first being Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays. Across the Caribbean, the Sandals Foundation has adopted a total of 27 schools.
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Pro Ambitions Hockey, Inc. is now celebrating 22 years in business. Former NHL player Jeff Serowik is the founder and president. Training the future of hockey is our business. We specialize in youth boys and girls hockey camps targeting players from six to eighteen years of age. North American day camp locations and eight world renowned boarding camps /residential camps at the prestigious hockey mecca-Boston University, the majestic New England Prep School in Maine-The Kents Hill School, the beautiful Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon NJ, the state of the art University of Rhode Island facility, South Lake Tahoe, California, and Shattuck St. Mary's, Fairbault MN. We also offer private hockey lessons at several locations in the Boston area.
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ActiveWake is your online Wakeboard Shop offering free shipping on every wakeboard and no sales tax. Wakeboarding has never been better with huge tech advancements coming from the top brands like Liquid Force, Hyperlite, Ronix, Byerly and Slingshot.
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PICAYUNE — Highland Community Hospital began conducting mammograms this morning after receiving official notification from the American College of Radiology that the accreditation of the hospital's mammography equipment was approved, said Mark Stockstill, director of Highland Community Hospital.
- Local News
SUSPECTS CAUGHT — Shown from left: Whitney Rodgers sits on the side of the road while Larry Newkirk lies face down after the Louisiana couple's attempt to flee from police ended with them crashing into a tree.
Effort to arrest shoplifting suspects turns into chase
Officers of the Picayune Police department were involved in what began as a shoplifting call but ended in a high speed chase and crash for a couple from Bogalusa, La., suspected of shoplifting, said Capt. Jeremy Magri, assistant to the police chief.
Suspects found trying to bury evidence
Pearl River Sheriff's Department Narcotics Investigators arrested two suspects after they were discovered burying evidence.
Chemical waste drop-off Sat.
County Fire Marshal Albert Lee will hold a household chemical cleanup day on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Pearl River County Road Department on U.S. Highway 11 in Millard.
Boil Water Notice
Pearl River Central Water Association has issued a precautionary Boil Water Notice for anyone west of Mill Creek who were without water on December 5, 2013, due to a broken water line.
Historical group gets keys to historic City Hall
Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero gave the keys to the historic portion of Picayune City Hall to members of the Picayune Historical Society in a ceremony prior to Tuesday's meeting of the Picayune City Council.
Effort to arrest shoplifting suspects turns into chase
- Sports
Unbeaten Oxford is on a roll
Unbeaten and topranked Oxford has won 14 games this season, the most wins ever in a season in school history.
- Picayune wins South State title
- Bulldogs beat Rebels 17-10 in OT in Egg Bowl
- Maroon Tide faces Laurel tonight
- Not so familiar foe for Tide
Unbeaten Oxford is on a roll
- Lifestyles
Third annual Christmas on the Rails and Shopping by Candlelight
The Third Annual "Christmas on the Rails" is from 5 until 8 p.m. Friday in conjunction with Picayune Main Street's Shop by Candlelight and Art Works sponsored by Greater Picayune Arts Council (GPAC). Art Works and Shop by Candlelight go on until 9 p.m. Sometime during the evening, the Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce will announce the winner of the Best Decorated Store Front contest.
- CWC Pilgrimage: A second time around
- Business withstands test of time
- Vocability: Did Black Friday make you blue?
- Partners delivers Presents for Pearl River County
Third annual Christmas on the Rails and Shopping by Candlelight
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Magistrate rejects Nagin's bid for report
A federal magistrate refused Tuesday to order prosecutors to provide former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin with a copy of a sealed report on alleged prosecutorial misconduct before his trial on bribery charges.
U.S. Magistrate Alma Chasez said in her order that Nagin doesn't need the report that federal prosecutor John Horn prepared in a separate case to defend himself at trial. - High court wary of campaign contribution limits
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Magistrate rejects Nagin's bid for report
- International
It's a boy! UK's Kate gives birth to royal heir
It's a boy!
Prince William's wife, Kate, has given birth to a prince who is now third in line to the British throne. - Barbara becomes hurricane off Mexican coast
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It's a boy! UK's Kate gives birth to royal heir
- Opinion
With voter ID now law, we must protect right for all who are eligible
Voter ID is now a reality in Mississippi. The state plans to begin issuing free voter identification cards in early 2014, just months before the first election in which people will be required to show photo IDs at the polls.
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- Lure of home was strong for author
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With voter ID now law, we must protect right for all who are eligible
- News Distribution Network
Tom Lindley
Is the NCAA a sinking ship?
The daily flow of bad news chronicling the NCAA seems to fall somewhere between damaging and defeated. By comparison, the NCAA's myriad problems make the Obama Administration's roll out of the Affordable Care Act look smooth.
- 12 words you should stop using right now
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Is the NCAA a sinking ship?
- CNHI Special Projects
A man check his car on Interstate 35 after a tornado ripped through Moore Monday afternoon.
Audio: How can we better prepare for tornadoes?
An NPR broadcast examines the question of how communities can better prepare for tornadoes like the one that struck Moore, Okla. on Monday. The broadcast features commentary from Michael Fitzgerald, who reported a five-part disaster series for the CNHI News Service.
- The Big One: Preparing for mid-America earthquake
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Audio: How can we better prepare for tornadoes?


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Damen Shipyards Group is set to deliver the fifth Platform Supply Vessel in a series of six to World Wide Supply of Norway. World Opal is a Damen PSV 3300 CD.
Marine Propulsion Systems, a business unit of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, shared at the sidelines of Marintec China 2013 that China continues to be a key focus for the
Singapore's Swissco Holdings say they have placed orders with China shipyards for two anchor handling tug supply vessels ("AHTS") and a fast utility/crew boat with a one plus one option.
Carnival Corporation & plc has appointed US Navy retired Vice Admiral William Burke to the newly created position of Chief Maritime Officer, effective December 9, 2013.
KNUD E. HANSEN A/S, in cooperation with Novenco Marine & Offshore A/S, have contracted with Carnival Cruise Line to install state-of-the-art HVAC upgrades on their Victory,
MAN Diesel & Turbo has won an order from Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines to supply five medium-speed 48/60CR engines to power its next-generation diesel-electric


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Recipe: Guardian's Alchemist Stone
- Binds when picked up
- Use: Teaches you how to make a Guardian's Alchemist Stone.
Guardian's Alchemist Stone
- Item Level 125
- Binds when picked up
- Miscellaneous Trinket
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- Equip: Increases the effect that healing and mana potions have on the wearer by 40%. This effect does not stack.
- "Can be used for transmutations in place of a Philosopher's Stone."
- Requires Alchemy (350)
- Sell Price: 2 50


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John Keats |
レビュー - レビューを書く
星 5 つ |
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星 4 つ |
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星 3 つ |
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Review: John Keats (Biographies)
ユーザー レビュー - Lysergius - GoodreadsA decent biography of what was after all a fairy short life. Interesting for the insights it casts on the composition of the poems. Interesting that he had read Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy"... レビュー全文を読む
Review: John Keats
ユーザー レビュー - Robin Ganderton - Goodreads"That which is creative must create itself." レビュー全文を読む
Abbey Astley Cooper Bailey beauty began brother Brown Charles Cowden Clarke copy Cowden Clarke criticism death Dilke early echo Endymion Eve of St fact Fanny Brawne feelings felt George George Keats George's Georgiana Guy's Hampstead Haydon Hazlitt Hessey Horace Smith Hunt's Hyperion idea imagination Isabella Jennings John Keats Joseph Severn Keats wrote Keats's KSMB Lamia later lectures Leigh Hunt letter lines literary living lodgings London looked Mathew mercury Milton mind months mood nature never night passage perhaps philosophic play poem poet poetic poetry probably published Reynolds seemed Severn Shakespeare Shelley sister sonnet spirit stanza Stratfield Mortimer Street style suggested summer syphilis Taylor Teignmouth theme thing Thomas Keats thought Tom's took verse walk Ward week Wentworth Place whole Woodhouse words Wordsworth writing written young


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Whether you run or not, you won't want to miss this event. Bring your running buddies, your friends and your family and enjoy a Midsummer Night's Mayor's 5K Run and Fun Movie Night in the heart of downtown Alpharetta, while raising funds for North Fulton non-profits! Register at www.active.com.
Hours of Operation
Saturday: 6:00PM
Admission & Fees
July 3 to race day $30
Registration by July 2, $25
Facility Amenities
Accessible by Public Transportation, Concessions, Free Parking, Parking off Site, Public Restrooms
General Information
Family-friendly, Handicapped Accessible
Group Amenities
Near Interstate Highway
Suitable for Ages
All Ages
Culinary, Food, Wine & Beer, Entertainment, Family Friendly, Free Things to Do


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March 24 2004
[b]Temperatures hit 80 degree[/b]
Posted by Kim
Image: images/daycare.jpg
Children at Donna Hupp�s daycare shed their coats and jackets Friday afternoon, the last day of winter, and enjoyed playing outside under bright sunny warm skies.
Frank Leichtnam, weather observer in the Presho area recorded a temperature of 78 Friday, March 19. Charles Bowar, National Weather observer of Kennebec reported a high of 80. Just a few days earlier in the week Bowar measured a snow fall of 2 1/2 inches in Kennebec.
- Wrapping up Christmas shopping
- A colorful mountain of milo greets travelers
- Raiders win Class B Consolation trophy
- Raiders to play for 5th place
- Raiders return to state
- Lyman Raiders earn a return trip to STATE!
- Veterans Day Program
- Veterans day events
- New tower to start broadcast KPLO signal
- Volleyball District Play starts Tuesday at Kadoka
- New clinic opens in Kennebec


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If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed.
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday! Hope its a great one!!!
Happy Birthday, MissEmma. You're a lovely, sweet friend. I am so glad to have gotten to know you on our Forum. I only wish we lived in the same town. I hope you have a great day!
Hey, miss Emma!! Holler at me when you get some free time! Please...thanks, via
Hey Miss Emma!! I just noticed you didn't have any visitor messages, so I thought I'd leave you one You have beautiful furbabies! I hope you are having a wonderful night!
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The Texas Education Agency believes the public has a right to know how its public schools are doing. Thanks to a decision in the 1980s to create the Public Education Information Management System, known as PEIMS, Texas has one of the largest education data bases in the world. It provides a treasure trove of information for researchers, parents and the public at large to mine and learn about the workings of 1,200 districts and charters, as well as TEA. That information and other data is used to create a number of reports that provide information about a variety of topics, such as student performance, spending and implementation of legislation.
December 09, 2013
Commissioner of Education Michael Williams announced today that he has named Monica Martinez as Associate Commissioner for Standards and Programs for the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
December 05, 2013
Commissioner of Education Michael Williams today joined Milken Family Foundation Co-Founder and Chairman Lowell Milken in presenting the 2013 Milken Educator Award to Christal Bookhamer, an eighth-grade science teacher in the Joshua Independent School District (JISD).
December 03, 2013
Commissioner of Education Michael Williams announced today he has selected Margie Johnson – an attorney with more than 15 years of prosecutorial experience – to lead the new Texas Education AgencyOffice of Complaints, Investigations and School Accountability.
The newly published 2014 Texas School Law Bulletin is available for purchase. The Bulletin is current through the 83rd Legislative Regular and Special Sessions. The cost is $65 per copy. The cost per copy for non-profit institutions is $60. The Texas Education Agency accepts purchase orders from Texas educational institutions and government agencies only. Checks or purchase orders should be made out to the Texas Education Agency, William B. Travis Building, 1701 N. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701-1494. Customers may also purchase a copy of the Bulletin by contacting contact Ruth Ann Palm at (512) 463-9744 or by email at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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More copies of this ISBNThis title in other editionsOther titles in the Forest of Hands and Teeth series:The Forest of Hands and Teethby Carrie Ryan
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Marys truths are failing her. Shes learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?
Carrie Ryan lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. You can visit Carrie at www.carrieryan.com. From the Hardcover edition. About the AuthorBorn and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Carrie Ryan is a graduate of Williams College and Duke Law School. A former litigator, she now writes fulltime. She lives with her writer/lawyer boyfriend and two fat cats in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are not at all prepared for the zombie apocalypse. You can visit Carrie at www.carrieryan.com.
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This palace-styled hotel set amidst five acres of landscaped gardens offers spacious comfort and rich warm, hospitable service. Conveniently located,Taj Residency is a gateway to the World Heritage Sites of Ellora and Ajanta Caves and just 9kms from the airport and railway station. A choice of accommodation, business facilities, banqueting facilities, dining options and recreational activities, makes the hotel ideal for business and leisure guests.
Guests can take advantage of our recreation activities for irresistible fun and relaxation.
Fitness and Fun include
Fitness Centre
Souvenir shop
Swimming pool
Recreation outside the Hotel include
Visits to the World Heritage Sites of Ellora Caves (closed on Tuesdays)and Ajanta Caves (closed on Mondays)


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Seifert in Minnesota governor's race
Former state Rep. Marty Seifert of Marshall announced he is vying for the Republican nomination. He was widely expected to enter the race after losing the GOP endorsement to Tom Emmer in 2010.By Don Davis , November 21, 2013
Republican Senate candidate Dahlberg makes East Grand Forks visit
Chris Dahlberg, one of six candidates for the Republican nomination to run for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Al Franken, attracted a total of 25 visitors at his four campaign stops in outstate Minnesota over the weekend.By Ryan Bakken , November 17, 2013
VIDEO: Newcomer Williams first woman elected Moorhead mayor
For Del Rae Williams, a last-second decision to run for mayor here has turned into a somewhat surprising success story. Williams repeatedly said she only decided to run for the open mayoral seat the day before the filing deadline earlier this fall.By Erik Burgess and Wendy Reuer , November 06, 2013
Minnesota conservatives sue Ritchie over voter registration
Conservative groups and Republican legislators are taking Minnesota Democratic Secretary of State Mark Ritchie to court over an online voter registration system he launched.By Don Davis , November 04, 2013
Former Minnesota House member sues state to prevent construction of new Senate building
A former Minnesota House member who headed the public works committee is taking the state to court seeking to prevent construction of a new Senate office building.By Don Davis , October 31, 2013
Franken: Fed health care site getting better
U.S. Sen. Al Franken, a strong supporter of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, said Thursday that it's too early to extend enrollment deadlines or delay insurance mandates despite ongoing problems with the federal exchange.By Patrick Condon , October 24, 2013
GOP legislators confront Ritchie over voter site
Three Republican legislators have met with Democratic Secretary of State Mark Ritchie over their belief he overstepped his authority by implementing an online voter registration system.By Associated Press , October 24, 2013
Minnesota's Nolan: Firings needed over health law woes
A Minnesota Democratic congressman has added his voice to GOP calls in Washington for administration officials to be fired over the rocky rollout of the new health care law.By Associated Press , October 23, 2013
Dayton hopes next session will undo, old and outdated laws
If Gov. Mark Dayton has his way, next year's legislative session will be unlike any other. Dayton has already dubbed 2014 the "unsession," because he wants legislators to spend much of their time eliminating old, outdated state laws rather than adding new ones.By Tim Pugmire , October 21, 2013
Minnesota's Klobuchar assumes more visible role
Seeking an opportunity to slice through the political bitterness clouding Washington, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar did what felt natural a few weeks ago: She organized a bipartisan potluck at her apartment. All but a few of the 20 female senators came.By Brian Bakst , October 20, 2013
Dayton raises $379,000 for campaign over 3 months
Gov. Mark Dayton raised $379,000 from the start of July to the end of September for his re-election campaign. The Democratic governor's campaign voluntarily released the figures on Thursday, though he is not compelled to release quarterly finance reports.By Associated Press , October 17, 2013
Bachmann unloads campaign money tied to fraud case
GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann has turned about $14,000 in past campaign contributions over to a bankruptcy trustee for a Florida businessman who was linked to a big federal fraud case in Minnesota.By Associated Press , October 16, 2013
GOP's McFadden has $1.2 million for Minnesota Senate race
Minnesota Republican Senate candidate Mike McFadden says he raised $700,000 for his campaign in the last three months, and has $1.2 million in the bank as he seeks to challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Al Franken next year.By Associated Press , October 10, 2013
Minnesota lawmakers try for handle on synthetic drugs
Minnesota state legislators grappled Wednesday with how they might craft a new law to effectively fight the growing use of synthetic drugs. Several House committees held a joint meeting, including a special panel set up to address the spread of synthetics.By Patrick Condon , October 09, 2013
Former U.S. senator, Minnesota TV anchor Rod Grams dead at 65
Former U.S. senator Rod Grams, a popular TV anchorman who went on to become the most conservative politician ever elected to statewide office in Minnesota, has died. He was 65.By Patrick Condon , October 09, 2013
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well·ness - the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort.
Welcome to the Cornell College Human Resources webpage devoted to employee wellness. Below is a listing of our wellness initiatives and resources.
Questions? Contact Lindsey Hotz, Human Resources Coordinator, at x4244.


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The New Zealand Herald Publications Select a network ° 0 / ° 0 Loading…Change
The opening look at Victoria Beckham's show was a windowpane plaid coat. She also incorporated more sweaters and knits into her collection, with a nod to mod with some geometric, colourblocked shift dresses. The most unexpected looks were the flashes of bright yellow, including a sleeveless trench; the techno shine she added to pleated skirts that the audience could only see as the models walked; and the long cape-style tuxedo coat. One of the important evolutions for autumn is the softer shoulder, which she used to tweak one of her popular zip-back, slim-fit dress silhouettes. For shoes, she put models in lower kitten heels, made in collaboration with Manolo Blahnik, which was a bit of a surprise for a woman known for skyscraper stilettos.
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Dec 12 2011
Jennie's Best of 2011 List
2011 does not stand out as one of my more memorable reading years; many books fell in the okay/mediocre range, with a whole lot of B range books and a handful of C range books. Only one D, and no Fs! – which I guess is a good thing, though I feel oddly nostalgic about(…)


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- All buffet and à la carte meals, snacks, and beverages included
- 24-hour room service
- In-room minibar (all beverages included)
- Kayaking
- Snorkeling
- Windsurfing
- Fitness facilities
About the neighborhood: Playa Mujeres
Playa Mujeres is a beach area about 25 minutes north of Cancun's hotel zone and 30 minutes from the airport. Looking west out over the Caribbean to Isla Mujeres, Playa Mujeres is the mainland portion of the Isla Mujeres municipality. The area is home to the Playa Mujeres resort complex and the Playa Mujeres Golf Club, with a course designed by Greg Norman.
This hotel made the exclusive Expedia© Insiders' Select™ list, which includes only the very best hotels and resorts on Expedia, as rated by our hundreds of thousands of customers and our in-house experts.
Expedia Insiders' Select methodology:
Guest Reviews
Voted as world's best for Relaxation and Spa, this Luxury All Inclusive property lays in Punta Sam near Playa Mujeres Golf Club and the Archaeological Site of El Meco
Recreational amenities at The Beloved Hotel Playa Mujeres Cancun include a private beach, tennis courts, and an outdoor pool. Other amenities include a full-service health spa, a marina, and a children's club.
In addition to balconies or terraces, guestrooms feature Round Jacuzzis, Minibar, LCD televisions, and WiFi. Bathrooms come with bathrobes, scales, and bathroom phones.
Within 10 minutes
The preferred airport for The Beloved Hotel Playa Mujeres All Inclusive is Cancun, Quintana Roo (CUN-Cancun Intl.) - 23.4 km / 14.6 mi.
Distances are calculated in a straight line from the property's location to the point of interest or airport and may not reflect actual travel distance.
Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometre.


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Ah, the loss of innocence. From Nerf football to Nerf rocket launcher. From lego robot to military mecha. From humble revolutionary phone to... the next Skynet?
Well, the first tiny step at least, as architects of the impending Matrix enterprising developers Rodrigo Guiterrez and Jeff Craighead have gotten full Pakbot control via the iPhone over WiFi, including live streaming video.
Speaking of video, check theirs out after the break! (Before John Conner gets to them 'natch).
More →
China might just be getting itself some iPhones! Oh, sure, there are already tons of iPhones in China -- almost a cottage industry of them -- but this time we're talking official from Apple, no unlock needed, spiffy new iPhone 3Gs. In China.
Not from China Mobile, who's off again, off again relationship with Apple is well documented, but from competitor China Unicom. Maybe even by August!
Hen Hao!
The original iPhone 8GB launched with a hefty $599 price tag, though it dropped to $399 a short time later. Though contract details were never disclosed, some pundits and analysts have estimated that AT&T paid Apple up to $15 per month, per customer, in revenue sharing. Over the life of a 24 month contract that would be an additional $360 for a grand total of $959 (later $759) per iPhone!
As both Casey and I have discussed before, the new iPhone 3G 8GB dropped at a super-reduced price of $199, and while again no contract details have been released, it's universally believed to be carrier subsidized up front.
First came the iPod, then came the iPod Nano. Well, okay, there was the intermediary Mini, but that's neither here nor there. Eventually -- and currently -- there was -- and is -- the Nano. So it should come as no surprise that ever since Steve Jobs dropped the iPhone bomb back at Macworld 2007, people (and analysts, who may still technically be people?) have been predicting an iPhone Nano.
And now some Apple patents have been revealed which may just bring it a few technical hurdles closer to being!
Is there an iPhone on Mars? No, not exactly. Nor have we found little green men on Mars, either. Although if we did, would they be toting iPhone 3Gs? If it were up to Jobs they would (how 'bout a game of Interstellar Risk, Rene?). Unless you've been living in a cave (a la Bin Laden), you've likely heard of NASA's recent success landing the Phoenix Mars lander. The lander is equipped with shovel and soil analysis equipment to seek out ice, water, life, etc.
Even though iPhones aren't on Mars (yet!), you can use your iPhone to get the latest news and mission status of the Phoenix Mars lander. Toughturtle.com, a developer of several other iPhone web apps, has given to us the Phoenix Mars Mission web app for the iPhone. Keep reading to learn more about this week's Tip!
The status of the TomTom GPS app may still be up in the air, but we'll still have Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions (albeit not in 3D and without voice prompts). Looks like we may to have another option, too, an AT&T-Branded "gps enabled application." So says an AT&T insider who adds that in addition to the GPS app, AT&T is also developing a "yellowpages.com mobile" app as well.
This morning I mentioned the so-called "leaked" Rogers memo, which outlined almost find-and-replace identical data plans to those AT&T is offering for the iPhone was too good to be true, and now Kevin from our sister-site Crackberry.com brings us a Rogers presentation which puts another nail in the "we hope for fair data rates" coffin:
Non-flex plan: $15 for 2MB (hitting the YouTube button once?), $25 for 4MB, $30 for 300MB, $60 for 1GB, $80 for 3GB, and $100 for 6GB?!
Flex plan: $50 for 500MB, $65 for 1GB, $85 for 3GB, and $100 for 5GB?!
(Remembering the US in $30 for UNLIMITED!)
A 5GB cap, similar to caps some European countries have put in place for the iPhone 2G is annoying enough, but charging 3.33x more money along with the cap? Outrageous.
Kevin points out that Rogers currently charges $60 for 25MB, and this is better. But being slightly less @#$%-up is not really better. Sadly, unlike Vader or the Hulk, my hatred renders me no more powerful.
I hope these aren't the iPhone rates. I hope we get something better. But this stinks to high heaven of Rogers historical behavior, and there's no better indicator of future behavior than that.
Engadget Mobile is saying there will be exclusive plans for the iPhone on Rogers.
X1Zero over on the iPhone in Canada forum has posted the following under "tasty" news, based on what he claims is new Rogers training material:
Here were the prices listed for [iPhone] plans [including voice and data]: "$60, $65, $70, $75, $80, $85". What I gather from this is as long as you have at least a $30 voiceplan, you then pick your poison of either $30 or $45 iphone data, and youre golden.
Gander at the original Rogers slide in question (after the break)...
Long and loud have been the voices berating, bemoaning... begging even for some little extra bit of camera love from the iPhone. We're not even talking video here (though conflicting rumors coming out of WWDC, via TWiM, suggested Apple either thinks no one wants video, or were working on it for a future release...). We're talking about plain old, plainly old, still photography.
Nokia N95 has a Karl Zeiss 5.0 megapixel auto-focusing lens, right? Sure, it's built like a Soviet tank, but Apple could at least bump the pixel count on the measly iPhone camera, right?
There's a memo being circulated everywhere from TiPb's comments to some of the biggest sites on the blogsphere, that purports to contain leaked information on Rogers -- the GSM monopoly with de-facto exclusive iPhone 3G rights in Canada -- rate plans, including data rates, which have historically been a HUGE issue for Canadians.
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Football Latest News
All Archives
- December
- Miami (Ohio) hires Notre Dame OC Chuck Martin as head coach
- Tulane accepts New Orleans Bowl matchup with Louisiana-Lafayette
- Not just chance
- Steve Sarkisian leaves Washington to take head coaching job at Southern Cal
- Dick Biddle retires as Colgate head coach; Dan Hunt named successor
- Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe resigns after 13 seasons at helm
- Florida cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy declares for NFL draft
- Arkansas State accepts bid to GoDaddy Bowl in Mobile for third year in a row
- Louisiana-Lafayette accepts bid to New Orleans Bowl for third year in a row
- Florida State, Ohio State are top two teams in latest BCS standings
- Best numbers from Week 14
- Wyoming fires Dave Christensen after five seasons as head coach
- College Football on TV: Week 15
- Florida fires Brent Pease, Tim Davis after first losing season since '79
- Top Performers: Week 14
- Florida State is No. 1, Ohio State No. 2, Auburn No. 3 in AP poll
- November
- BC's Andre Williams, nation's leading rusher, hurt against Syracuse
- Hawaii running back Willis Wilson's body found off Oahu beach
- Second-ranked Linfield survives scare to make quarterfinals, stay unbeaten
- Grand Valley State rallies from early deficit to beat Colorado State-Pueblo
1 of 15 Next


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Thank you for your interest in University of Colorado Advanced Reproductive Medicine.
The newsroom is a comprehensive online resource for the media. Here you'll find the latest news coverage on Advanced Reproductive Medicine, as well as fact sheets, patient stories and recent press releases.
The medical team at Advanced Reproductive Medicine is an expert source on the latest infertility research and information. Feel free to contact us for interviews or further assistance. Photos are available.
Richard Wall 303.382.2999 Send an Email
…and stay up-to-date on the latest fertility and reproductive medicine news.