Ignoring imperfect detection in biological surveys is dangerous: a response to 'fitting and interpreting occupancy models'.

ABSTRACT: In a recent paper, Welsh, Lindenmayer and Donnelly (WLD) question the usefulness of models that estimate species occupancy while accounting for detectability. WLD claim that these models are difficult to fit and argue that disregarding detectability can be better than trying to adjust for it. We think that this conclusion and subsequent recommendations are not well founded and may negatively impact the quality of statistical inference in ecology and related management decisions. Here we respond to WLD's claims, evaluating in detail their arguments, using simulations and/or theory to support our points. In particular, WLD argue that both disregarding and accounting for imperfect detection lead to the same estimator performance regardless of sample size when detectability is a function of ab

SUBMITTER: Guillera-Arroita G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4116132 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature