Dr. Hoof Stock

Bernard & Michael did observations in the rain…..more details coming.

Thanks to all who helped with a mini-documentary for the Big Herds project!  Jane was guide for the video crew from Parrot Creek Productions.  Interviews with:  Adam, Pat, Roy, Holly, David,Kelley and Curt.  B footage on:  animals (addax, sable, blackbuck, rhino, kudu, bongo, addra, p-horse, deer, giraffe, a little on waterbuck), scenery & action shots (feeding, chute, quadrat sampling).  contact info for George:  geop...@gmail.com

The calf was with adults.

V-male was following but not mounting unmarked female.

Two juvenile males (Buds) were moving together, separate from the other waterbuck.

Tanks were low (4-6 ft down at Safari camp).  Small watering hole by Safari Camp was used by hoofstock for drinking although it had less than a foot of water.

Axis have large developed antlers in velvet (aseasonal?).  Other deer species (seasonal) have dropped or growing antlers

The 5 sable calves slept in a tight cluster and moved together….really different than waterbuck!

Grass was green but grazed shorter than last time.  The increaser species were really evident.

Temps in the 60’s at night and up to 80’s in day, although the wind made it feel cool.  Clouds blowing in from from east.  Held off on rain until we left on Fri. morn.

Here is some more info about the video project:

PROJECT:

A pilot video will be produced in close collaboration with Fossil Rim Staff, targeted to several audiences (C2S2 collaborators, donors, interns, students, etc.) interested in exploring emerging Big Herd approaches to ex-situ management of at-risk ungulate species. All filming will be HD widescreen, broadcast/cinema quality by Parrot Creek Productions. Media will include:

· 15-20 min. documentary/informational video (released on DVD & compressed for mobile media; the DVD will be structured for expansion of accompanying material, possibly including one or both of the short clips listed below, extended interviews, interviews with collaborators at other institutions; additional informational material and sources, printed or graphics materials)

· 2-5 min. promotional clip for donors (compressed for web and mobile media)

· 2-5 min. recruitment clip for students (compressed for web and mobile media)

TIMELINE:

Week 1

• Initial scoping by telephone conference; rough draft of storyboard
• Day 1: introductory meeting with selected Fossil Rim Staff, tour of facilities, scheduling
• Days 2-3: film interviews and animal/landscape footage
• Day 4: exit meeting, feedback on revised storyboard

Weeks 2 &3

• Editing and review by scientific advisor
• rough cut on video and revised storyboard to Fossil Rim for review

Week 4

• fine editing
• review of final cut by selected Fossil Rim staff

Week 5

• production and delivery

JUSTIFICATION:

This video project will document and highlight the leadership role that Fossil Rim has played in encouraging sustainable approaches to the long-term management of ungulates in semi-natural environments that promote behavioral, genetic diversity, healthy and environmental well being. It will facilitate communication with other collaborating institutions with similar goals, such as members of the Conservation Center for Species Survival.

This pilot project will be done in a manner that will facilitate expansion to include the perspectives of collaborating institutions in the future. The process will serve both as a catalyst and as a proof of product for future grant writing. The promotional clips will be targeting to recruiting students and to do science projects associated with the program, initially starting at Fossil Rim and eventually expanding to collaborating institutions. We will be better able to acquire the financial support for such educational initiatives by using the clip designed for donors.

Jane did observations….more to come…

Renee Jones did observations on Wed. April 8th (7am to noon and a few hours before sunset), and  the same on Thurs. morning until noon.

….more coming…