Most Random-Encounter-Model Density Estimates in Camera-Based Predator–Prey Studies Are Unreliable
Sean M Murphy, Benjamin S Nolan, Felicia C Chen, Kathleen M Longshore, Matthew T Simes, Gabrielle A Berry, Todd C Esque, Dimitrios Bakaloudis · 2024
Read Most Random-Encounter-Model Density Estimates in Camera-Based Predator–Prey Studies Are Unreliable by Sean M Murphy, Benjamin S Nolan, Felicia C Chen, Kathleen M Longshore, Matthew T Simes, Gabrielle A Berry, Todd C Esque, Dimitrios Bakaloudis (2024) in the Tower of Babel, a free online library of public-domain works preserved in clean, searchable text. No sign-up. The full text is served as a plain-text file at a predictable URL, where text is present: https://antarctic-labs.com/tower-of-babel/pmc-11639839.txt.
Description
Sean M Murphy and colleagues present a two thousand twenty-four critique of a popular method for estimating wildlife numbers from camera traps. The random encounter model promises counts for animals without unique markings. Its strict assumptions are easily broken in practice.
Using years of data on an unmarked predator and its prey, the team tested two common violations. Cameras placed on trails and borrowed movement speeds both warped the estimates. A review of published studies found the same risks widespread. Most predator-prey density figures from the method, they conclude, should not be trusted.
Catalog record
| CREATOR | Sean M Murphy, Benjamin S Nolan, Felicia C Chen, Kathleen M Longshore, Matthew T Simes, Gabrielle A Berry, Todd C Esque, Dimitrios Bakaloudis |
|---|---|
| YEAR | 2024 |
| COLLECTION | PAPERS |
| FORMAT | TXT |
| FILE SIZE | 67 KB |
| VERSION | 1.0 |
| LICENSE | CC BY 4.0 |
| RIGHTS | CC BY |
| SOURCE | Europe PMC |