Collecting and Submitting Wildlife Data
The information you collect is an important contribution to the knowledge base for fisheries and wildlife management.
Collected data are to be entered into a Fisheries and Wildlife Management Information System (FWMIS) loadform (Microsoft Excel workbook) according to the type of survey.
How to Complete and Submit FWMIS Loadforms
- Review the FWMIS Data Submission Guide for information and tips for using the FWMIS loadforms.
- Use the FWMIS Loadform Check Tool to ensure quality control and quality assurance of data submission. This tool scans data submissions for common errors and formatting issues, and provides verification results as per database requirements.
- Submit completed FWMIS loadforms to:
- The Online Permitting and Clearance (OPaC) System if data was collected under the authorization of a Wildlife Research Permit or Collection Licence.
or
- The Fish and Wildlife representative responsible for the area of data collection. For an area contact map, see: Fisheries and Wildlife Management Area Contacts.
FWMIS Wildlife Loadforms
Please download a new loadform for every new submission as the loadforms are continually being updated. You will also avoid problems like corrupting the worksheets by copying over old data or unintentionally submitting already previously submitted data.
FWMIS also stores images and documents which provides context and enhances the data collected.
Several changes were made to the Sept 2016 version of the loadform. A brief summary of the major changes can be found here:
FWMIS Aerial Survey Loadform
FWMIS Aerial Survey Loadform with Example Data
- Accommodates aerial survey data conducted from both fixed wing and / or rotary aircraft.
FWMIS Aerial Ungulate Survey Loadform
FWMIS Aerial Ungulate Survey Loadform with Example Data
- Accommodates ungulate aerial survey data conducted from both fixed wing and / or rotary aircraft. Used primarily by government organizations to inventory ungulate populations for establishing regulatory harvest targets.
FWMIS Area Search Survey Loadform
FWMIS Area Search Survey Loadform with Example Data
- For wildlife surveys associated with pre-construction, well sites, pipelines, etc. Area searches constitute generic searches for species that are encountered within a finite survey area. There are no specific target species and all species or signs of wildlife incidentally encountered are recorded.
FWMIS Area Search Oil Sands Survey Loadform
FWMIS Area Search Oil Sands Survey Loadform with Example Data
- For wildlife surveys associated with the oil sands. Typically consists of general area searches for species found and observed. There are no specific target species and all species or signs of wildlife incidentally encountered are recorded.
FWMIS Bear Marking Survey Loadform
FWMIS Bear Marking Survey Loadform with Example Data
- For grizzly bear and black bear surveys when physical tags (collars, ear tags, tattoos, transmitters, etc.) are used. Unlike Telemetry methods, active efforts to relocate tags are not accounted for.
FWMIS Bear Random Observation Survey Loadform
FWMIS Bear Random Observation Survey Loadform with Example Data
- Specific to grizzly bears and black bears, this loadform accommodates observations collected from random encounters.
FWMIS Bear Telemetry Survey Loadform
FWMIS Bear Telemetry Survey Loadform with Example Data
- Accommodates wildlife movement data collected utilizing both GPS and / or VHF (radio) and / or PTT relocation devices, specific for grizzly bears and black bears.
FWMIS Breeding Survey Loadform
FWMIS Breeding Survey Loadform with Example Data
- For surveying wildlife populations primarily during breeding seasons. Typically relies upon species that are readily 'countable' as a result of conspicuity or concentration.
FWMIS Call Playback Survey Loadform
FWMIS Call Playback Survey Loadform with Example Data
- For surveying species that are particularly secretive and are often difficult to observe. The use of electronically recorded calls can prompt a visual or auditory response from some species.
FWMIS High Frequency Survey Loadform
FWMIS High Frequency Survey Loadform with Example Data
- For bat surveys where high frequency audio detectors were used.
FWMIS Marking Survey Loadform
FWMIS Marking Survey Loadform with Example Data
- For surveys when physical tags (bands, collars, etc.) are used, for example, bird banding. Unlike telemetry methods, active efforts to relocate tags are not accounted for with this loadform. For telemetry related surveys, please use the 'FWMIS Telemetry Survey Loadform'.
FWMIS Mistnetting Survey Loadform
FWMIS Mistnetting Survey Loadform with Example Data
- Mistnetting employs the use of thin strand mesh to create a net of minimal visibility. This light duty net is used primarily for the capture of smaller fauna.
FWMIS Point Count Survey Loadform
FWMIS Point Count Survey Loadform with Example Data
- Point Count surveys rely on pre-established survey locations (stations). The locations are objectively selected to ensure equal habitat sampling and are often monitored for equal time periods to ensure unbiased efforts.
FWMIS Random Observation Survey Loadform
FWMIS Random Observation Survey Loadform with Example Data
Accommodates observations collected under a non-structured methodology, or by 'chance'. The observations are often collected with no adherence to time or area limitations.
Examples of random observation surveys are backyard birders and naturalists with a keen interest in local fauna. Conversely, incidental observations are secondary observations collected in association with a primary survey and should be included with the primary survey.
FWMIS Remote Camera Survey Loadform
FWMIS Remote Camera Survey Loadform with Example Data
- Accommodates surveys detecting species presence and/or relative abundance with the use of remote cameras.
FWMIS Specimen Survey Loadform
FWMIS Specimen Survey Loadform with Example Data
- Accommodates species sample data collected by museums, universities and other researchers for anatomical or taxonomic studies.
FWMIS Telemetry Survey Loadform
FWMIS Telemetry Survey Loadform with Example Data
- Accommodates wildlife movement data collected using GPS and / or VHF (radio) relocation devices.
FWMIS Track Survey Loadform
FWMIS Track Survey Loadform with Example Data
- Accommodates surveys assessing species presence and or relative abundance based on wildlife tracks.
FWMIS Windfarm Survey Loadform
FWMIS Windfarm Survey Loadform with Example Data
- Accommodates pre and post construction surveys associated with windfarm developments.
If your survey type does not fit the methodologies listed above, obtain an appropriate FWMIS loadform by email:
- Lonnie Bilyk, Resource Data Biologist