Analyzing designed experiments in distance sampling

Stephen T. Buckland, Robin E. Russell, Brett G. Dickson, Victoria A. Saab, Donal N. Gorman, William M. Block

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

Distance sampling is a survey technique for estimating the abundance or density of wild animal populations. Detection probabilities of animals inherently differ by species, age class, habitats, or sex. By incorporating the change in an observer's ability to detect a particular class of animals as a function of distance, distance sampling leads to density estimates that are comparable across different species, ages, habitats, sexes, and so on. Increasing interest in evaluating the effects of management practices on animal populations in an experimental context has led to a need for suitable methods of analyzing distance sampling data. We outline a two-stage approach for analyzing distance sampling data from designed experiments, in which a two-step bootstrap is used to quantify precision and identify treatment effects. We illustrate this approach using data from a before-after control-impact experiment designed to assess the effects of large-scale prescribed fire treatments on bird densities in ponderosa pine forests of the southwestern United States.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)432-442
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Agricultural, Biological, and Environmental Statistics
Volume14
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009

Keywords

  • BACI design
  • Bootstrap
  • Distance sampling
  • Point transect sampling

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Statistics and Probability
  • Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • General Environmental Science
  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
  • Statistics, Probability and Uncertainty
  • Applied Mathematics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Analyzing designed experiments in distance sampling'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this