Method: Transects

Researchers walk along a fixed path (1 metre wide, 200 metres long). They document the number and type of species (both known and unknown) and the kinds of habitat and host material species prefer.

Fungi are plentiful, but only those that produce visible fruiting bodies late in autumn, following the winter rains, are recorded. Many cryptogams are obscure, blending well into their surroundings, and seeing them requires a keen eye.

Method: Plots

A plot is a series of measured and marked squares . Researchers document the plant species found within these squares as well as the types of habitats species grow in. They also document the amount of cover flora provides and the the physical structure of the vegetation. A FORESTCHECK grid contains 4 x 1000 square metre plots and 20 x 1 square metre plots.

Methods: Light traps, pitfall traps, foliage beating

Insects, alone, are so numerous that it would take a disproportionate amount of time to identify them. FORESTCHECK records only those larger than a centimetre, unless they are a distinctive or targeted species.

Many insects are well hidden or only come out at night, so recording species like the Dryandra moth (Carthaea saturnioides) requires capturing them using light traps. A great number of insect species are attracted to light. Most light traps use fluorescent bulbs to keep insects 'glued' to a surface until they can be collected.

Ground-dwelling insects, like crickets, and other invertebrates, like scorpions, are caught in small pitfall traps. Pitfall traps are small containers buried in the ground. Insects fall into these traps and can not escape.

Other insects, such as weevils, that live in the foliage of understorey trees and shrubs. To collect these species branches are beaten and shaken to dislodge them onto a large sheet or tarpaulin.

As part of our monitoring, we also record the presence of Gondwanan relics. These are species that have survived in the south-west from the time of the ancient Gondwanan forests over 500 million years ago. We also monitor pest species.