Tracking and the interpretation of spoor: a scientifically sound method in ecology

Methods of studying wildlife are often restricted by habitat. Tracking, the reconstruction of activity from the spoor of animals, is an age-old technique that is still frequently used by modern-day hunter/gatherer communities. Although previously used in behavioural studies, tracking has not been tested for its scientific merit. In this paper, we provide data towards such a description by first testing the reliability of tracking, and second attempting to measure the techniques of tracking. In a test for accuracy, the Ju/'Hoan San team was correct in most (98% of 569) spoor reconstructions. Most significant of these were the correct identification of individually known animals and the reconstruction of complex behaviour from spoor. Measurements of the spoor of different species and age/sex groups in some species showed significant differences. Variation in different soil conditions, however, affected spoor measurements so that subtle differences between individually known animals could not be measured. Measurements of the spacing distances and placement of feet during different gaits gave statistical and schematic values to indicate some of the techniques used by trackers during the reconstruction of behaviour. Indigenous peoples, such as the Ju/'Hoan, have an in-depth knowledge of nature. Collaboration between western science and traditional knowledge could greatly benefit studies in behaviour and wildlife.