Transect Resources

Transect Basics

A transect records butterfly numbers on a fixed route under standardised conditions at regular intervals over a set period of time. Transects reveal not only which species are present but also trends of abundance and phenology. They are essential to the work of Butterfly Conservation.

Weekly walk: fixed route in suitable weather, 1-4km, taking 45mins-2hrs.
Sections: A transect is seperated into sections and each section reflects the different habitat or management units of the site.
Width: 5m band (2.5m either side, 5m ahead) or 10m band (5m either side, 10m ahead)
26 Weeks: April 1 to September 29.
Time: 10.45am-3.45pm.
Weather: dry.
Wind speed: less than Beaufort scale 5. (Raises dust and loose paper; small branches moved)
Temperature: 13�C if at least 60% sunshine, or more than 17�C if overcast.

If it is too cold, or too windy or raining then transect should not be done.