An integrated modeling approach to estimating Gunnison sage-grouse population dynamics: combining index and demographic data.

ABSTRACT: Evaluation of population dynamics for rare and declining species is often limited to data that are sparse and/or of poor quality. Frequently, the best data available for rare bird species are based on large-scale, population count data. These data are commonly based on sampling methods that lack consistent sampling effort, do not account for detectability, and are complicated by observer bias. For some species, short-term studies of demographic rates have been conducted as well, but the data from such studies are typically analyzed separately. To utilize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses of these two data types, we developed a novel Bayesian integrated model that links population count data and population demographic data through population growth rate (λ) for Gunnison sage-grouse

SUBMITTER: Davis AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4267864 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature