Glossary
Trace
The impression or indentation made on the substrate (ground) by an organism.
This includes tracks, but also other impressions (e.g. borings, droppings, burrows).
This includes tracks, but also other impressions (e.g. borings, droppings, burrows).
Track
Impression or indentation made on the substrate (ground) by a foot.
Cougar (Puma concolor)
Substrate
The surface on which tracks may be made.
e.g. soil, snow or sand
e.g. soil, snow or sand
Stride
The distance from the one track of a foot to the next track of the same foot.
This is conventionally measured from the proximal edge of the first track to the proximal edge of the next track of the same foot, and parallel to the central line.
This is conventionally measured from the proximal edge of the first track to the proximal edge of the next track of the same foot, and parallel to the central line.
Straddle
The width of a trail pattern.
This is conventionally measured from the most lateral point of a left track to the most lateral point of a right track, measured at right angles to the central line.
Therefore, this is the broadest possible measurement of width of a trail.
This is conventionally measured from the most lateral point of a left track to the most lateral point of a right track, measured at right angles to the central line.
Therefore, this is the broadest possible measurement of width of a trail.
Spoor
The series of traces made by, and left behind, by an organism.
This includes tracks and sign.
This should be contrasted with a track, which is an individual footprint.
This includes tracks and sign.
This should be contrasted with a track, which is an individual footprint.
Trackway
The marks or traces left by an organism (e.g. footprints, tail drags and belly drags).
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Minimum Outline Technique
Method of measuring tracks which takes into account the impact of sinking into different substrates.
Developed by D P Fjelline and T.M. Mansfield to measure tracks of cougars.
This method seeks to remove variability of measurements that is caused by variability in substrates.
