Distance Sampling: Estimating abundance of biological populations - Softcover

Buckland, S. T.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0412426706 ISBN 13: 9780412426704

Publisher: Springer, 1993

Synopsis

one can choose a point instead and measure the radial distances of the animals detected. It is very appropriate that the leading exponents in this field have come together to produce an authoritative description on 'how to do it'. They bring with them many years of experience in this research area. This book is a must for all those involved in estimating animal abundance as the methods can be used for such a wide variety of animal species including birds and marine mammals. The methods also apply to clusters of animals such as schools of dolphins and to animal signs. The beauty of such methods lies in the fact that not every animal has to be seen when a population is investigated. At the heart of the methodology is a 'detectability' function which is estimated in some robust fashion from the distances to the animals actually seen. Many species are not always visible and may be detected by the sounds they make or by being flushed out into the open. Clearly animals can have widely different behaviour patterns so that different models will be needed for different situations. This book provides a tool box of such methods with a computer package which helps the researcher to select the right tool for each occasion. The authors have a reputation for being very thorough and, typically, they endeavour to cover every conceivable situation that might be encountered in the field.

About this title

Synopsis

This book on estimating abundance of populations concentrates on distance sampling, despite the fact that most current field studies for estimating abundance use such methods. For many years the line transect monograph by Burnham et al (1980) has been the "bible" on this topic. Now the same authors of that book, together with Dr Steve Buckland, have written this present book. It has been deliberately written for practising biologists in an exceptionally clear and relevant way. In particular, it develops line transect sampling more comprehensively and in greater detail and looks at recently developed point transect sampling methods and gives many clear examples. It should serve as a reference manual for all quantitative biologists and biostatisticians, as well as a wide range of other biologists, enabling the reader to determine appropriate survey design. A suite of computer programs, DISTANCE, described by the authors, prvoces comprehensive analyses and is available from the authors. This book should be of interest to population biologists; ecologists; wildlife biologists; and biological statisticians.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0412426706
• ISBN 13: 9780412426704
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 460