ETHOGRAM AND TIME BUDGET

SAMPLES AND INSTRUCTIONS

Sample Observations

Developing a List of Behaviours

• Making a list
• Creating Categories
• Compiling a Time Budget
• Generating a Graph

SAMPLE OBSERVATIONS

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We observed:           Habour seals                                                                                    

DEVELOPING A SAMPLE LIST OF BEHAVIOURS

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Step 1: The Ethogram: Making a list of behaviours

(For more information see background and worksheet)

As you observe the behaviours, list them in the left hand column. Do not put them in any order.

Step 2: Creating Categories

Determine the major activities of each animal and label those. Then, reorganise the subcategories underneath them. For instance, fighting with another male would go under defending territory. However, some items may be in a category all of their own. For instance: we can only guess at why the animal might be smelling the air. It could be because it is looking for food or simply smelling.  In this case it is better just to note the action, without any interpretation of what the action is.

Step 3: Compiling the Time Budget

(For more information see background and worksheet)

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Now observe six animals for the allotted period of time (5 minutes suggested) each. Write down the length of time you observe behaviour as it happens. At the end, you will report on the percentages of time spent in each activity.

Step 4: Generating a Graph

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1. For each behaviour category, add the total time from each observation together for all animals, to get a total time for that behaviour.
2. Divide the total behaviour time by the total time observed and multiply by 100. This will give you the percentage of time spent doing that activity.
3. Generate a pie chart, label it and add it to your report like the one below.