Training observers

From a large data base on observer training gathered over 20 years of South Australian kangaroo survey (SAKS), it was estimated that approximately 40-48 hours in the air (including both survey and transport time) were required to train and calibrate a new observer. Training consisted of learning to see a consistent proportion of the population and calibrating this proportion against a "standard" trained observer. On a first survey flight, an untrained observer, even with prior ground survey experience, always saw fewer kangaroos than a trained observer. Proper training of observers is mandatory if aerial surveys for kangaroos are to continue to improve and remain a respected method of estimating kangaroo populations.