Tracking The Art of Tracking

Environmental Education

Perhaps one of the most important factors in nature conservation is a general ecological awareness of wildlife amongst the general public. Ignorance by the public at large may well be the most dangerous threat to the survival of many species in the face of development. Even keen nature lovers are often unaware of the wealth of animal life around them, simply because most animals are rarely seen.

To the nature lover, tracks may reveal the activities of many animals that would otherwise never be seen. To the untrained eye the wilderness or even the urban environment may appear desolate, but to someone who is at least “spoor conscious” it will be full of signs of wildlife. Even if you never see the animals, the knowledge that they are there is enough. By reconstructing their movements from their footprints, you may be able to visualize the animals and in your imagination actually “see” them.

Furthermore, tracking involves all aspects of the scientific imagination and reasoning. Teaching young people to actively engage in tracking may be one of the most effective ways for them to acquire an understanding and love for science. It stimulates the imagination, involving storytelling that will help to captivate young minds. Physical exercise in nature also helps with the growth of the developing brain. In the age of social media and AI, tracking may be the ideal activity to ensure the psychological health of young people.

Trackers employed in environmental education can therefore open up a whole new world to students. Students can develop a greater ecological awareness of the environment around them through the interpretation of tracks and signs.