Moose calf detection probabilities: quantification and evaluation of a ground-based survey technique

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Dublin Core

Title

Moose calf detection probabilities: quantification and evaluation of a ground-based survey technique

Description

Survey data improve population management, yet those data often have associated bias. We quantified one source of bias in moose survey data (observer detection probability, p), by using repeated ground-observations of calves-at-heel of radio-collared moose in Colorado, USA. Detection probabilities, which varied both spatially and temporally, were estimated using an occupancy-modelling framework. We provide an efficient offset for modelled calf-at-heel occupancy (ψ) estimates that accommodates summer calf mortality. Detection probabilities were most efficiently modelled with seasonal variation, with the lowest probability of detecting calves-at-heel occurring during parturition (i.e. May) and later autumn periods (after August). Our most efficiently modelled detection probability estimate for summer was 0.80 (SE = 0.05). During the four years of this study, ψ estimates ranged from 0.54–0.84 (SE = 0.08–0.11). Accounting for 91.7% monthly calf survival corrected ψ estimates downward (ψ = 0.42–0.65). Our results suggest that repeated ground-based observations of individual cow moose, during summer months, can be can a cost-effective strategy for estimating a productivity parameter for moose. Ground survey results can be further improved by accounting for calf mortality.

Bibliographic Citation

Bergman, E. J., F. P. Hayes, P. M. Lukacs, and C. J. Bishop. 2020. Moose calf detection probabilities: quantification and evaluation of a ground-based survey technique. Wildlife Biology 2020(2). https://doi.org/10.2981/wlb.00599

Creator

Bergman, Eric J.
Hayes, Forest P.
Bishop, Chad J.

Subject

Alces alces
Colorado
Detection probability
Ground-surveys
Moose
Occupancy models

Extent

9 pages

Date Created

2020-04-10

Type

Article

Format

application/pdf

Language

English

Is Part Of

Wildlife Biology

Collection

Citation

Bergman, Eric J., Hayes, Forest P., and Bishop, Chad J., “Moose calf detection probabilities: quantification and evaluation of a ground-based survey technique,” CPW Digital Collections, accessed March 28, 2024, https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/items/show/223.