Bouten, W.

Ordóñez, A.

van Loon, E.

English

Observing a constant fraction of the population over time, locations, orspecies is virtually impossible. Hence, quantifying this proportion (i.e.detection probability) is an important task in quantitative populationecology. In this study we determined, via computer simulations, the effectof population characteristics on estimates of detection probability.Simulation results showed a consistent and significant over-predictionof detection probability across sampling methodologies and estimators.Comparisons between estimators and sampling methods showed significantdifferences amongst them (estimators accounting for heterogeneityare the most accurate). Population size was the most importantfactor influencing the uncertainty and accuracy of the estimates. Ourresults show the need to include population characteristics (either as acorrection function or as factors in the observation model) when estimatingdetection probabilities. The study concludes by suggesting twomethods for using population characteristics to estimate detectionprobabilities

International Migration, Integration and Social Cohesion online publications

Effects of population variability on the accuracy of detection probability estimates

https://pure.uva.nl/ws/files/1328256/104427_ordonez2011_anales_de_biologia.pdf

Effects of population variability on the accuracy of detection probability estimates

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International Migration, Integration and Social Cohesion online publications