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Factors affecting availability for detection: An example using radio-collared Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)
Christopher M Lituma1, David A Buehler1, Evan P Tanner1
1Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America.
Plos One
|December 23, 2017
Summary
Bird call surveys can underestimate Northern Bobwhite populations. Increased conspecific calling significantly boosts individual detection probability, especially in longer surveys. Account for this to avoid biased population estimates.
Area of Science:
- Wildlife Ecology
- Ornithology
- Bioacoustics
Background:
- Avian monitoring often relies on vocalizations, but individual detection is influenced by social cues.
- The impact of conspecific calling on Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) detection probability is not well quantified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess how behavioral and temporal factors influence Northern Bobwhite breeding season detection availability.
- To evaluate detection probability across different survey durations (3, 5, and 10 minutes).
Main Methods:
- Radio-collared male Northern Bobwhites were monitored during 10-minute surveys.
- Vocalizations (singing rate, number of other calling males), time since sunrise, and day of season were recorded.
- Logistic regression modeled individual availability for detection and singing behavior.
Main Results:
- Individual detection availability increased significantly with the number of other calling Northern Bobwhites.
- Detection availability was 30-100% higher in 10-minute surveys compared to 3- or 5-minute surveys.
- Northern Bobwhites called more frequently and at higher rates when stimulated by other calling individuals.
Conclusions:
- Survey duration and conspecific vocalizations are critical factors affecting Northern Bobwhite detection probability.
- Failure to account for these factors can lead to underestimation of population sizes, particularly in low-density populations.
- Adjusting monitoring protocols to incorporate these findings is essential for accurate avian population assessment.
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