Accuracy and Precision of Aerial Moose Censusing
LeResche RE and Rausch RA. 1974. Accuracy and Precision of Aerial Moose Censusing. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 38(2):175-182
Forty-nine observers flew 72 replicate counts over four fenced 1-square-mile (2.6km²) moose (Alces alces) enclosures. Under the most ideal conditions, experienced observers flying 15 minutes over each square mile in PA-18-150 aircraft saw only 68 percent of the moose present. Inexperienced observers saw 43 percent. Accuracy of counts was significantly affected by observer experience and currency, by number of observers, by snow conditions, by habitat and terrain, and by time of day. Moose density did not affect accuracy of counts at densities of seven or more per square mile. Counts were relatively precise within individual experienced observers (C.V. = 7-18 percent) and within some experience-current groups (C.V. = 8.5-9.9 percent). Experienced observers without current experience were both imprecise (C.V. = 24 percent) and inaccurate (46 percent). Aerial counts are not considered valid estimates of absolute moose numbers, but may be used as trend indicators in carefully controlled situations.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- LeResche, Robert; Rausch, Robert
- Units
- CAKN , DENA , YUCH , WRST
- Keywords
- Abundance, Aerial Surveys, Alces alces, Mammals, Population Ecology, Trends, Ungulates