Advanced Distance Sampling: Estimating Abundance of Biological Populations - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199225877 ISBN 13: 9780199225873

Publisher: Oxford University Press, U.S.A., 2008

Synopsis

This advanced text focuses on the uses of distance sampling to estimate the density and abundance of biological populations. It addresses new methodologies, new technologies and recent developments in statistical theory and is the follow up companion to Introduction to Distance Sampling (O.U.P., 2001). In this text, a general theoretical basis is established for methods of estimating animal abundance from sightings surveys, and a wide range of approaches to analysis of sightings data is explored. These approaches include: modelling animal detectability as a function of covariates, where the effects of habitat, observer, weather, etc. on detectability can be assessed; estimating animal density as a function of location, allowing for example animal density to be related to habitat and other locational covariates; estimating change over time in populations, a necessary aspect of any monitoring program; estimation when detection of animals on the line or at the point is uncertain, as often occurs for marine populations, or when the survey region has dense cover; survey design and automated design algorithms, allowing rapid generation of sound survey designs using geographic information systems; adaptive distance sampling methods, which concentrate survey effort in areas of high animal density; passive distance sampling methods, which extend the application of distance sampling to species that cannot be readily detected in sightings surveys, but can be trapped; and testing of methods by simulation, so that performance of the approach in varying circumstances can be assessed.

About this title

Review

The book provides a stimulating account of recent progress with statistical methods for solving the practical problems that biologists encounter when estimating abundance. (Rhys E. Green Ibis)

...this is a compilation of strong research that will be mined for its many technical insights. (Murray Efford Environmental Conservation)

About the Author

S.T. Buckland, D.L. Borchers, and L. Thomas are all with the University of St. Andrews. D.R. Anderson and K.P. Burnham are with the Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. J.L. Laake is with the National Marine Mammal Laboratory.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press, U.S.A.
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0199225877
• ISBN 13: 9780199225873
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 434
• Editor: Buckland S.T.