Correction of Bias in Belt Transect Studies of Immotile Objects
Anderson DR and Pospahala RS. 1970. Correction of Bias in Belt Transect Studies of Immotile Objects. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 34(1):141-146
Unless a correction is made, population estimates derived from a sample of belt transects will be biased if a fraction of the individuals on the sample transects are not counted. An approach useful for correcting this bias when sampling immotile populations uses trasnects of a fixed width, is presented. The method assumes that a searcher's ability to find objects near the center of the transect is nearly perfect. The method utilizes a mathematical equation, estimated from the data, to represent the searcher's inability to final all objects at increasing distances from the center of the transect. An example of the analysis of data, formation of the equation, and applicaiton is presented using waterfowl nesting data collected in Colorado.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Anderson, D; Pospahala, R
- Units
- SODN
- Keywords
- Inventory and Monitoring (I&M), Range Management, Rangeland