Animal Tracking - Advanced Honor

Nature Study

Requirements

1. Have the Animal Tracking honor.

   Answer: Have previously completed the Animal Tracking honor (basic level). — Advanced honors require having previously completed the corresponding basic honor. In the case of Animal Tracking - Advanced, the pathfinder needs to have completed all the requirements of the Animal Tracking honor (basic level), which ensures prior knowledge of common tracks, the behavior of native animals, basic molding techniques and observation ethics. The advanced version deepens this knowledge with more complex techniques, more diverse fauna and detailed molds.

2. What is the difference between a high-relief and a low-relief mold of an animal track?

   Answer: High relief is a 3D copy that stands out (a positive); low relief is the depression of the original track in the ground (a negative). — In track molding: the low relief (negative) is the mold made directly from the track left by the animal in the ground — it represents the depression left by the paw, with inverted volume. The high relief (positive) is the three-dimensional replica made from the low relief, reproducing the paw as it is, with the volume coming out of the surface. The process: plaster is poured into the track (creating a positive), which can then be used to make a negative rubber mold, and from that, several positives.

3. Make at least 1 low-relief mold from a high-relief one or from a rubber mold.

   Answer: Apply gel or liquid silicone over the high relief and, after it cures, remove the negative form that reproduces the hollow of the track. — To create a low relief from a high relief (or from a rubber mold): 1) Clean and dry the positive (high relief); 2) Apply a release agent (petroleum jelly, talc) to prevent adhesion; 3) Position a frame around it; 4) Pour the molding material (silicone, alginate, latex or fine plaster with additives); 5) Wait for full curing according to the material; 6) Demold carefully, removing the negative form; 7) Keep it clean and dry. The result is a negative mold that reproduces the hollow of the original track and can generate several high-relief replicas.

4. What is scatology and why is it important in the study of animals?

   Answer: In the study of animals and in tracking, scatology is the study of animal droppings (feces). It is important because feces are one of the main traces left by animals: from the shape, size, content and location it is possible to identify the species, find out what it eats, estimate its size and health, and confirm its presence and the paths it uses — all without needing to spot the animal. — In tracking, reading the traces — among them feces — is what allows you to recognize and follow an animal through the woods with safety and precision.

5. Through careful observation and analysis, find as much evidence as possible of the passage of 1 or more animals along a trail.
6. With a friend, create a course of at least 2 km and with at least 4 changes of direction, using native resources to make the trail signs. This trail must be successfully followed by 2 other people. In the same way, you and your friend must follow a similar trail made by another pair.