We compared the statistical power of two alternative sampling designs to detect changes in threatened and endangered snail
species populations in the Mid-Snake River (Idaho). Our goal was to determine which sampling approach would have the best chance of detecting a change associated with different hydroelectric project management scenarios. We summarized the data as
1) the average number of snails collected across quadrats (density/m2) and 2) the proportion of quadrats that had snails present. We calculated the minimum detectable difference that each measure could detect with a two-sample t test. The density measure was highly variable and even a complete loss of snails failed to represent a statistically significant change for most sites. The precision improved somewhat when density was log-transformed, the number of replicate quadrats was increased, and larger sampling quadrat used; however, statistical power to detect change remained low. In contrast, proportion measures were much more precise and could detect a 34% reduction in the proportion of quadrats with snails present. When the number of quadrats was increased to 30, a 24% change could be detected and for 50 quadrats an 18% change. Proportion of quadrats with snails present was also highly correlated with the average density of snails (Pearson’s r = 0.91). In addition to being a more sensitive indicator, the proportion measure is quicker to observe for each sample which means that a larger area can be surveyed during the same amount of time.Fore, L.S. and W.H. Clark. 2005. Statistical Power Comparison of Two Sampling Protocols for Riverine Snails. Northwest Science 79:91-9