Environmental application of aerial reconnaissance to search for open dumps
Three approaches to using aerial photography are evaluated for searching for open dumps in the state of Indiana. Photography with hand-held cameras from a small airplane proved more effective and flexible than either photo-interpretation of existing air photos or subcontracting to a federal agency for new aerial photography. The rationale for our choice of aerial reconnaissance, other uses of low-level aerial surveillance, the utility of small-format camera aerial photography for environmental analysis, and methods used for locating open dumps are discussed.
AERIAL ECONNAISSANCE AND PHOTOGRAMMETRY WITH SMALL CAMERAS
A method is described whereby 35- and 70-mm cameras, a new film, a simple lightweight mount, and a minimally modified light aircraft can be used to achieve large camera results, inexpensively, in the acquisition of black-and-white aerial reconnaissance photography.
Estimation of large mammal numbers in the Akagera National Park and Mutara hunting reserve, Rwanda
The Akagera National Park lies between latitudes 1° OO' and 2° OO' S, and longitudes 30° 20' and 30° 50' E. It is roughly 250,000 ha in extent, of which at least one quarte1· comprises the swamps and lakes of the Kagera River system, and a further 5,000 ha are settled; leaving a total of 182,500 ha. The area is adjoined on its western side by the 61,200 ha Mutara hunting reserve. Both areas are described elsewhere (Spinage and Guinness 1972). No previous objective assessment of the large mammal num­ bers in this area could be traced, although De Leyn (1960) refers to systematic counts in the Mutara commencing October 1959. The only previous total estimate found was that of Verhulst (1947), quoted by Akeley (1950), who estimated there to be 4,000 impala (Aepyceros melampus Lichtenstein) ; 2,000 tapi (Damaliscus korri­ gum Ogilby) ; 2,000 zebra (Eq11us q11aç19a boehmi Matschie) ; 1,0ûO buffalo (Syncerus caffer Sparrman) ; 1,000sitatunga (Limnotrag11s spekei Sclater) ; 700 eland (Taurotragus oryx Pallas) ; 500 water­ buck (Kobus dej'assa ugandae Neumann) and 150 roan antelope (Hippotragus eq11inus Desmarest). Hazaert and Verschuren (Vers­ churen 1965) conducted a number of track counts but d id not extra­ polate their results to the entire area. Despite Verhulst's conser­ vative assessment popular literature and local opinion have exaggerated the numbers of animals present; perhaps partly attri­ butable to species such as eland, tapi and zebra, aggregating in small areas at certain times of the year. The present paper reports an objective assessment of the numbers of major ungulates in the area made between July 1968 and October 1969.