FINDING SABAP2 PENTADS MADE EASY

(This set of easy instructions have been adapted with permission from the original text by Ernst Retief.  This makes it very easy to participate in the bird atlas project, so go out there and do it! - Ed.)

Since the beginning of the SABAP2 project, the biggest problem participants experienced was to determine the boundaries of pentads. Some of you reading this email might have decided not to participate because of this. If so please read the email below and if it makes sense to you, please reconsider and join this exiting project.

Go to www.sabap2.org.

From the left hand menu select “Summaries” and then from the sub-menu “Coverage Map - Google”. A map of South Africa will open up.

In the box above the map “Search for an address” type in the location you are looking for. Lets say you are planning a visit to Bontebok National Park in the Western Cape. Type in “Bontebok National Park” and click “Search”. You will be taken to the Bontebok National Park – with a blue maroon block. Each block is a pentad and the different colours reflect the number of lists that have been submitted for the pentad. Click on the maroon block and you will note above the map, in the space next to “Select Pentad”, the pentad code. It should be 3400_2020.

So now you know the name of the pentad you want to atlas but the map is not much of a help as it does not show you the exact boundaries of the pentad. Next to the pentad code at the top of the map, click “Submit”.

The next page shows some information about the relevant pentad. For example 8 lists have been submitted for the pentad and no Adhoc protocol cards. Under the graph click on the drop-down arrow and select “Google Map of Pentad”.

A new screen opens up with a map of the pentad and the boundary of the pentad is shown in red. Select “Satellite” or “Hybrid” map at the top. These views will provide you with more details however you will have to zoom in to see more details by double clicking on a map or selecting the “+” on the map.

You can print the map by using your internet browser’s print function, usually under “File” and “Print”.

If you have some time zoom in even more and you will be able to recognize all sort of different habitats that you should visit in order to make your list of species as complete as possible.

All you need to do now is take your binoculars, climb in the car and go atlasing (after reading the protocol instructions...which is really easy)!!

Ernst Retief
072 223 2160
012-332 3323(H)
0866532522 (Fax)
Email: ernst.retief@gmail.com
Skype: efretief

Gauteng Regional Atlas Co-ordinator

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