When I first became interested in natural history over forty years ago I saw things, wondered what they were, and then looked for an image in a field guide that seemed to match what I had seen. I am sure I made many mistakes (but then, even after 40+ years, I still do!).
After a while, it dawned on me my field guide was giving me important information that I was not really paying attention to as I browsed through illustrations of species looking for a match. There, in front of me, the book was telling me:
- how common or rare a species is
- when it might be seen
- some behavioural characteristics
- where it is mostly to occur - its preferred habitat
You need more than a matching picture to confidently some species apart and habitat is one of those factors one has to take in to account
With experience, I began to understand that many plants and animals were usually only found in the specific habitats that provided for their basic need, nutrients. It became obvious that some species of birds would be seen in woodland, others by the seaside. The same with plants, some flowers would be seen on grassland whereas others seen near rivers or lakes.
Now I understand that habitat drives everything in nature and I can almost predict what I will see before I set out on a walk. I wish I had understood this concept more fully when starting out all those years ago, it would have made so much difference to my enjoyment of my hobby.
Most of us who get interested in wildlife are probably like me initially and only in it for the hunt; for the tick on the list when another new species is found. After a while, new ticks get harder but our knowledge grows as we learn and gain experience. Part of expanding that knowledge is beginning to understand different habitat types and the implication that has for furthering our initial interest.
Here are my five reasons for getting to understand habitats:
- Many species, both animal and plant, have preferred a habitat in which they spend their life, or at least a substantial part of it. This means that if you are wanting to find a new species you have ever seen before and it has a preferred habitat then that habitat type is where to go looking. Understanding habitats helps you find target species.
- It follows, therefore, that if you are in a particular habitat type which you recognise and catch a fleeting glimpse of something knowing what species have a preference for that habitat narrows down the choice of candidates. Understanding habitats helps with identification issues
- The converse of (2) is true. Some years ago a near neighbour of mine told me she had had a garden warbler by their garden pond. Although called ‘garden’ warbler one habitat you are unlikely to find them in is a back garden on a small housing estate! Understanding habitats helps you avoid embarrassing mistakes!
- Once you get beyond collecting ticks for your list(s) and begin taking a wider interest in nature you start to think about the relationships between animal species, their lifestyle and their requirements for survival and success. Understanding habitats increases your enjoyment from nature watching
For anyone wishing to work, or volunteer, with a conservation or environmental organisation a minimum requirement is a rudimentary understanding of habitat and its relevance to species conservation. Understanding habitats helps to open the door to 'citizen science' projects
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