Introduction

Data gathering is important for the collection and organization of past research and information. Knowing what has been done in the past can help determine what should be done in the future, without unnecessary repetition and cost. Past research can help in the development of study design. In addition, it permits comparison of current research with historical data allowing researchers to detect ecological change.

Ecological monitoring is essential to determine if ecological integrity is maintained or threatened. The objective of monitoring biodiversity is to gain an understanding of what is changing in the ecosystem and why. By integrating long-term information on species activity and density with abiotic data such as soil and climate parameters, a profile of an ecosystem can be prepared, and evidence of change recorded (EMAN, 1999). Furthermore, a monitoring scheme can validate the management plan and can serve for educational research.

The biggest problem faced by managers is that not everything can be monitored-there simply are not enough time and resources. The challenge is to determine what to monitor and what resources are available. A well-organized plan must be made but it must also be recognized that theory and reality are not always in accordance. Thus the monitoring plan must be revisited according to the features of the Molson Reserve. The main steps in the proposal of a monitoring scheme are: the carrying out of inventories, the development of base maps, and the systematic monitoring of identified parameters.