International education and research in ecology and conservation, wildlife tracking, and human culture

September 2024 Quiz

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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!

Question 1

1. Who left these tracks?

N. Pocket Gopher tracks

Location
Grand Mesa, Colorado, USA
Photographer
Shane Hawkins
Answer

Pocket Gopher, Thomomys talpoides

Notes
Pocket gopher tracks are highly asymmetrical with longer toes on the front feet, large, blunt claws and small palm pads, that sometimes register. The claws are about as long as the toes and the division between toes and claws may be hard to distinguish except in fine substrate. Hind feet have five toes and shorter claws. Pocket gophers typically travel in a trot or walk.
Question 2

Who left these tracks?

Steenbok tracks

Location
Hoedspruit, central Kruger region, South Africa
Photographer
Kersey Lawrence
Answer

Steenbok, Raphicerus campestris

Notes

A small antelope’s tracks. The animal is walking in a direct register, tracks are proportionally long and narrow, very pointed, and have a wide ridge of sand in the center.

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

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2024 Quizes

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Brandon Willis Legacy Scholarship

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.