International education and research in ecology and conservation, wildlife tracking, and human culture
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Sometimes these quiz photos will be from Africa, sometimes from North America, and sometimes from elsewhere, but don’t worry, we will always tell you the location. Give it a try and let’s learn together!
In this photo we see two tracks, a coyote track (above) and a bobcat track (below).
The upper track is >3” long, has 4 toes, and a triangular palm pad. I see four claws registering ahead of the toe pads, all claws are facing forward. The track is tight, and has an X or star-shaped negative space. All features support Eastern Coyote.
The lower track is approximately 1.75” long, has 4 toes, and a beautiful trapezoid-shaped palm pad. I am not seeing claws register. There is a C-shaped negative space, and you cannot make an X through the track without bisecting the palm pad. Size and track features all support Bobcat.
The tracks in picture two of the quiz are classic or “anisodactyl” bird tracks with three toes facing forward, and one toe facing backward. There are visible claws. Toes are arranged fairly symmetrically, with forward facing toes similar in length, and a shorter backwards facing toe (aka hallux). The placement of the tracks indicates a walking trail with a short stride and a sinuous pattern. All features support these tracks being made by a dove.
How did you do? We’d love to hear from you!
In fact, we welcome your photo contributions from anywhere in the world! Send them to us HERE with your explanation of where they are from, what you think they are, and why you think so, and we could include them in a future quiz (giving you credit of course). Your photos will also become part of our searchable database that trackers can use for learning!
You can view old quizzes on the Original Wisdom website under the Resources tab, in the Tracking Gallery.
Happy Tracking!
The Team at Original Wisdom
One hundred percent of donations made in Brandon’s name are set aside to help provide for a high school or college student to travel to South Africa to participate in an Original Wisdom program. The student must have a strong passion for photography and/or wildlife tracking and be a part of a program or class that is learning about and working towards conservation.