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A re-evaluation of a case-control model with contaminated controls for resource selection studies
Christopher T Rota1, Joshua J Millspaugh, Dylan C Kesler
1Department of Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
The Journal of Animal Ecology
|May 25, 2013
Summary
The case-control model with contaminated controls can estimate absolute resource use probability from animal location data. This method clarifies misconceptions and is a viable alternative for ecological studies.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Wildlife Biology
- Statistical Modeling
Background:
- Resource selection studies often use use-availability data, but few models estimate absolute use probability.
- Existing methods often estimate relative use probability, which is less informative than absolute probability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address misconceptions surrounding the case-control model with contaminated controls.
- To demonstrate its capability in estimating absolute probability of use from use-availability data.
- To apply the model to Ozark hellbender habitat selection.
Main Methods:
- Simulated data with varying prevalence and sample sizes were used to test the case-control model with contaminated controls.
- The model was applied to field data on Ozark hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi) habitat use.
- Model performance was evaluated based on parameter estimation accuracy and variability.
Main Results:
- The case-control model with contaminated controls provided unbiased parameter estimates at N=2000, especially with low prevalence.
- Increased prevalence and smaller sample sizes (N=1000) led to more variable estimates.
- Ozark hellbenders selected stream locations with coarse substrate and proximity to cover.
Conclusions:
- The case-control model with contaminated controls is a robust method for estimating absolute resource use probability.
- Recommendations include using at least 500-1000 used samples for reliable estimates.
- This study clarifies model misconceptions and validates its application in ecological research.
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