Independent Audit of Badger Trial: Audit of the Surveying and Social Group Delineation SOPs
Creswell Associates,Willow House, Slad Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 1QJ
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Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Assessing the effectiveness of the 'Surveying for badger activity' SOP.
2.1 Methodology
2.2.1 Accuracy of identification and classification of setts
2.2.2 Reasons for apparent discrepancies
2.2.3 Contributing factors
2.3 Recommendations
2.3.1 Revised approach to the procedures
2.3.2 Revised approach to working practices
2.3.3 Training
2.3.4 Administrative practices
2.3.5 Revision of survey data
2.3.6 Further audit
3.0 Assessing the effectiveness of the "Delineation of badger social group territories" SOP
3.1 Methodology
3.3 Recommendations
4.0 Acknowledgements
1.0 Introduction
This report sets out the results of an independent evaluation of field operations associated with the MAFF badger culling trial. The trial, first announced in August 1998, was set up in response to recommendations by Professor Krebs and his independent review team and in accordance with the design recommended by the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB (ISG). This element of the audit was intended to assess, on a sample basis, the effectiveness of surveying and social group delineation carried out in accordance with the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These are the 'Surveying for badger activity' and 'Delineation of badger social group territories' SOPs. The part of the audit concerned with the effectiveness of culling activities and implementation the relevant SOP(s) will form part of a separate report.
Page last modified:
12 August 2003
Page published: 5 February 2003