Animal Track Analysis offers a science-based approach to understanding wildlife through the stories they leave behind. It emphasizes the importance of a rigorous methodology in wildlife tracking, moving beyond simple identification to reveal deeper insights into animal behavior and ecology. For example, analyzing track patterns like gaits and stride lengths can provide crucial details about an animal's activities, such as hunting or migration. The book advocates for evidence-based analysis, similar to other biological disciplines, making it a valuable tool for conservation efforts and ecological studies.
The book uniquely combines track identification with principles of wildlife research, particularly in age assessment. By applying established research data to track analysis, it helps understand population demographics and the impact of environmental changes. This approach is a departure from traditional tracking methods that often rely on anecdotal evidence.
Beginning with foundational principles, the book progresses through identifying tracks of North American species, analyzing track patterns, and determining age and sex from signs, culminating in ecological interpretation and practical field applications.
