About 30 Indigenous hunters in north-western Ontario are helping moose researchers by using a new smartphone app designed to monitor moose numbers.
The idea of the app, conceived by wildlife specialist and Laurentian University biology professor, Jesse Popp, was made real by a collaboration of the Anishinabek/Ontario Fisheries Resource Centre, Trailmark systems, and the Biggtigon Nishnaabeg.
The app allows users to record moose sightings and harvests, and upload photos and additional information, as well as send text messages detailing moose-related information.
Popp says she hopes the app will help record population trends in real time and offer data that might be used to better manage and understand moose. According to a report from Dr. Dianne Saxe, Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner, moose numbers have declined by as much as 20% during the last 10 years.
The collaborators’ goal is to expand the app and modify it to meet specific community needs so other Anishinabek Nation communities in Ontario can eventually also participate, if interested.
When asked about the app’s possible use by non-Indigenous people, Popp said, “Collaboration is definitely ideal in wildlife monitoring and management situations. As an Indigenous organization, we have piloted the Moose Monitoring app with one of the First Nation communities we work with; however, expanding to all interested peoples would be a great way to bridge a large gap — small steps for now. But I totally agree that the more everyone comes together, the greater the outcome for wildlife, natural resources, and in turn, humans.”
Popp noted the project presents an opportunity to incorporate Indigenous knowledge with wildlife monitoring and research. “Indigenous knowledge can be incredibly valuable in relation to wildlife research and monitoring, and when combined with western science can greatly improve modern science.”
Originally published in the April 2018 issue of Ontario Out of Doors
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