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CompuTOD, a computer program to estimate time of death of deer
R J Cox1, S L Mitchell, E O Espinoza
1National Fish and Wildlife Laboratory, Ashland, OR.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|September 1, 1994
Summary
A new statistical program, CompuTOD, estimates time since death for white-tailed deer using regression analysis. This tool provides reliable time-since-death estimates with confidence intervals, aiding wildlife research.
Area of Science:
- Wildlife Biology
- Forensic Science
- Statistical Modeling
Background:
- Accurate estimation of time since death is crucial in wildlife mortality studies.
- Previous methods for estimating time since death in white-tailed deer have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce CompuTOD, a novel statistical program for calculating time since death in white-tailed deer.
- To validate the program's accuracy using data from a controlled hunt.
Main Methods:
- Regression analysis was performed on data from 378 white-tailed deer obtained during a 1982 controlled hunt.
- A statistical program named CompuTOD was developed to implement the regression model.
Main Results:
- The CompuTOD program provides reliable time-since-death estimates for white-tailed deer.
- Results favorably compare with previous studies.
- The program generates upper and lower confidence limits for calculated time intervals.
Conclusions:
- CompuTOD is a valuable tool for estimating time since death in white-tailed deer.
- The inclusion of confidence intervals enhances the precision of mortality estimations.
- This program can improve the accuracy of wildlife mortality research.