Wildlife Monitoring at the Vassar Farm and Ecological Preserve

The PV serves as a refuge for over 700 species of plants and animals that are currently threatened by habitat loss and climate change. Animal species act as indicators of ecosystem health, particularly large predators such as the Bobcat and Mink. In upland forests, the presence of birds that utilize the shrub layer signifies ecological regeneration, including raptors, owls, hawks, and green herons.

We prioritize the identification of species that are selective about habitat quality and rely on native ecosystems. Interior species, such as ovenbirds and thrushes, thrive in environments like floodplain forests and beech-maple mesic habitats, which require a well-developed understory structure. This is similarly true for amphibians like frogs and salamanders.

To assess our fauna, we conduct a range of surveys every 5 years. These include camera trap surveys for mammals, point surveys for birds, call surveys for vocal species, distribution mapping during peak calling periods, and egg mass surveys to confirm breeding presence for frogs. Additionally, we perform cover board surveys for salamanders and snakes, as well as hoop trapping for turtles. It is important to note that some species, particularly those with extensive ranges or specific habitat requirements, may not be captured in these surveys. Therefore, incidental and visual encounter surveys are also incorporated to enhance our monitoring efforts.