Trap configuration and spacing influences parameter estimates in spatial capture-recapture models.

ABSTRACT: An increasing number of studies employ spatial capture-recapture models to estimate population size, but there has been limited research on how different spatial sampling designs and trap configurations influence parameter estimators. Spatial capture-recapture models provide an advantage over non-spatial models by explicitly accounting for heterogeneous detection probabilities among individuals that arise due to the spatial organization of individuals relative to sampling devices. We simulated black bear (Ursus americanus) populations and spatial capture-recapture data to evaluate the influence of trap configuration and trap spacing on estimates of population size and a spatial scale parameter, sigma, that relates to home range size. We varied detection probability and home range size, and

SUBMITTER: Sun CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3914876 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature