ISSS608 2017-18 T3 Assign Akanksha Shrirang Yadav Hypothesis
VAST Mini Challenge 1: Are The Beloved Pipits Disappearing?
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Summarizing the Key Findings So Far...
- The number of sightings/recordings of the Pipit shows an overall decreasing trend since 2015. And the analysis until now indicates that Kasios might be hiding the truth for their own interests.
- Number of bird calls show an increasing trend. Although, in itself this is not a sufficient proof that there is something wrong with the Pipits, it definitely is an indication of unusual behavior of the birds.
- As estimated, the test samples provided by Kasios contained only 2 samples from Rose-crested Blue Pipits as opposed to their claim of Pipits thriving across the Preserve.
Hypothesis On the State of Pipits In the Preserve
Based on the analysis done so far, it can be hypothesized that the health of Pipits might be getting affected due to Kasios dumping their process waste in the Preserve. This could lead to two outcomes, one either the Pipits might be migrating to farther locations sensing endangerment to their lives or they might be dying in the Preserve which would result in the decrease of their population within the Preserve.
Primary evidences to support the hypothesis are:
Increasing number of bird calls over the years, this could suggest that they might be crying out for help or sending warning signals to other Pipits within the Preserve Significant decrease in the number of sightings of the Pipit Patterns of Pipits moving away from the alleged dumping location over the years (as displayed in the plots)
What Next?
- Looking forward, the Preserve could investigate the extent of harm being done by the alleged dumping of the processed waste by Kasios. Soil & dirt samples should be collected from the dumping location & it's nearby regions. A thorough soil & dirt examination can be carried out to evaluate the same.
- The Preserve authorities should make sure to examine and investigate any proof that Kasios presents relating to the matter of Pipits.
- Additionally, Kasios’ data collection process could be investigated to find out how are they obtaining their data. This could lead to new findings which possibly could either substantiate or disprove their claims.
