When Do Single-Species Occupancy Models Outperform Multispecies Models?

ABSTRACT: Occupancy models have become increasingly popular for species monitoring and assessment, in part, because detection/non-detection data are readily obtained using a variety of methods. Multispecies occupancy models (MSOMs) can yield more accurate parameter estimates than single-species models (SSOMs) with less data through their hierarchical structure, making MSOMs an attractive option when species are hard to detect or when data collection is constrained, leading to sparse datasets. Such constraints may arise from limited sampling resources, but also occur in rare species monitoring or where preliminary results are desired to inform adaptive management. Further, experimental habitat treatments often impose spatial constraints on sampling based on the scale of their implementation. Whether

SUBMITTER: Cotterill GG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12640701 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature