Summary

Spoor identification by tracking is an age-old technique, still practiced by many indigenous peoples for hunting and interpreting animal behavior. Animals that leave tracks in suitable substrate produce potentially valuable data (e.g., regarding density, location, movement), which can be exploited for the identification of especially of reclusive, nocturnal or rare species, from their footprints and this promises to be a non-invasive, cost-effective, technique for monitoring and research.  The use of footprint Identification can thus provide a much needed layer of information that can be used to establish the range and distribution of animals over a wide area. This is aided by the fact that although many carnivore footprints appear similar, there are distinct morphological differences or ‘characters’ that have emerged as a result of evolution which are vital in the identification process.

Population estimates of any species are required to formulate a conservation strategy. In areas where domestic livestock production occurs on land adjacent to conservation areas, there is a definite polarization between agriculturalists and conservationists into two antagonistic camps. This polarization is largely due to the differing attitudes of the two groups to problem animals and their management, especially where larger predators are involved resulting in the evolution of human-wildlife conflict.

It is therefore necessary to collectively combine tools and methods that can be used in mitigating this ongoing problem faced at human-wildlife interfaces. A new approach would be the use of a footprint identification system can be used in the field as a forensic tool to determine the culprits of livestock depredation and be used in establishing the demographic characteristics and ranges of the problematic animals.