Department of Zoology, University of Chitral organized a guest lecture
on Nov 27th, 2024, at 02:00-4:00 pm PST. The lecture was on
Estimating Animal Abundance Using Distance Sampling Method. Mr. Muhammad Asif,
PhD candidate at the School of Biology, University of Saint Andrew, UK. He
obtained his M.Phil. in Wildlife Ecology, from Quaid-i-Azam University,
Islamabad and did a second master in Statistical Ecology from the University of
St. Andrew. The lecture was attended by students of BS Zoology 7th
semester and faculty members of the department.
The expert highlighted the need, scope and principles of distance
sampling method in conservation and management-oriented decision making. Distance
sampling methods are a key technique for assessing wildlife populations and
informed decision-making pertaining to wild populations. During his lecture he
thoroughly explained the application of distance sampling methods in detail
with practical examples and personal experiences. During the lecture, students
and faculty members interacted with the speaker. The students asked different
questions which the speaker answered clarifying the concepts and possible
adaptation of the method for different topographic areas and species. The
lecture was followed by exercise to handle data collected through distance
sampling methods and its analysis using statistical software R’s package
Distance.
Department of Zoology, University of Chitral expresses gratitude to the
expert Mr. Muhammad Asif for his time and contribution. Support of the
Assistant Director IT Mr. Tanzil Ur Rehman is also appreciated for their
facilitation.
