Testing for density-dependent effects in sequential censuses

In response to Gaston and Lawton (1987), we evaluated the ability of four statistical procedures to detect density dependence. We used data from the same 16 populations as Gaston and Lawton (1987). In each population, density dependence had been previously established with techniques that use more extensive data. The major axis test (Slade 1977) was rarely (3 populations of 16) capable of detecting density dependence. The autocorrelation test (Bulmer 1975) detected density dependence in 5 of 16 species (14 of 59 tests overall). The randomization procedure (Pollard et al. 1987) detected density dependence in 7 of the 16 data sets (10 of 59 tests overall). The simulation procedure (Vickery and Nudds 1984) detected density dependence in 5 of the 16 data sets (11 of 59 tests overall). We suggest that not all annual census data taken from populations subject to density-dependent effects will actually show evidence of such effects. We conclude that Pollard et al. 's (1987) randomization procedure is the best test for detecting density dependence in sequential census data but it is not as powerful as more elaborate techniques (k-factor analysis, experimentation, etc.), nor is it meant to replace more extensive analyses.