Dataset Information

Using an individual-based model to assess common biases in lek-based count data to estimate population trajectories of lesser prairie-chickens.

ABSTRACT: Researchers and managers are often interested in monitoring the underlying state of a population (e.g., abundance), yet error in the observation process might mask underlying changes due to imperfect detection and availability for sampling. Additional heterogeneity can be introduced into a monitoring program when male-based surveys are used as an index for the total population. Often, male-based surveys are used for avian species, as males are conspicuous and more easily monitored than females. To determine if male-based lek surveys capture changes or trends in population abundance based on female survival and reproduction, we developed a virtual ecologist approach using the lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) as an example. Our approach used an individual-based model to simulate lek counts based on female vital rate data, included models where detection and lek attendance probabilities were <1, and was analyzed using both unadjusted counts and an N-mixture model to compare estimates of population abundance and growth rates. Using lek counts to estimate population growth rates without accounting for detection probability or density-based lek attendance consistently biased population growth rates and abundance estimates. Our results therefore suggest that lek-based surveys used without accounting for lek attendance and detection probability may miss important trends in population changes. Rather than population-level inference, lek-based surveys not accounting for lek attendance and detection probability may instead be better for inferring broad-scale range shifts of lesser prairie-chicken populations in a presence/absence framework.

SUBMITTER: Ross BE

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6524812 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Using an individual-based model to assess common biases in lek-based count data to estimate population trajectories of lesser prairie-chickens.

Ross Beth E BE Sullins Daniel S DS Haukos David A DA

PloS one 20190517 5

Researchers and managers are often interested in monitoring the underlying state of a population (e.g., abundance), yet error in the observation process might mask underlying changes due to imperfect detection and availability for sampling. Additional heterogeneity can be introduced into a monitoring program when male-based surveys are used as an index for the total population. Often, male-based surveys are used for avian species, as males are conspicuous and more easily monitored than females. ...[more]

PMID: 31100093

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Dataset Information

Using an individual-based model to assess common biases in lek-based count data to estimate population trajectories of lesser prairie-chickens.

Publications

Using an individual-based model to assess common biases in lek-based count data to estimate population trajectories of lesser prairie-chickens.

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