MAPIS: a mobile amphibian population information system

Abstract

In recent years, amphibian populations in many parts of the world have experienced an apparent widespread, yet poorly understood decline. One of the obstacles comes from the difficulties in rapidly collecting and analyzing amphibian population data from the field sites. In this paper, we investigate how to apply wireless network and mobile computing technologies to build a mobile amphibian population information system (MAPIS). This system not only enhances communication between field biologists in different locations, but also speed onsite data entry and analysis. Thus, the field biologists can optimize collection efforts and better exploit narrow windows of ecologically relevant population behaviors.