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Effective methods for monitoring animal populations are crucial for species conservation and habitat management. Motion‐activated cameras provide an affordable method for passively surveying animal presence across the landscape but have mainly been used for studying large‐bodied mammals. This paper explores the relative abundance and habitat preferences of red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in coniferous forests using cameras and live trapping. The study was conducted in two forests (Newborough and Pentraeth) on Anglesey, North Wales, with a total of 50 sampling locations across four habitat categories. Detailed woodland structure and composition data were gathered around each sampling location. We found a strong positive correlation between the number of individual red squirrels live trapped over 10 days with the number of camera images of squirrels recorded during a previous 5‐day period. The time interval between camera deployment and the first recorded image of a red squirrel showed a significant negative correlation with the number of individuals live trapped. Red squirrel relative abundance was negatively related to forest canopy openness, while the presence of Scots pine and increased tree species diversity were positively associated with the relative abundance of squirrels. There was also a strong site difference with lower relative abundance at Newborough compared with Pentraeth, which likely reflects the heavy thinning of mature forest at Newborough reducing tree crown connectivity. The results show that remotely activated cameras are an effective method for monitoring red squirrel populations across varying animal densities. The cameras also provided crucial information on red squirrel habitat preferences that can aid in woodland management and conservation efforts. Cameras have great potential to collect data on the population status of other small mammals, but it is essential that these methods are validated on a species‐by‐species basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

States that the decline of null hypothesis significance testing as a statistical paradigm has created liabilities and opportunities in wildlife science. Likelihood as a replacement for significance testing; Difference between null hypotheses and null effects; Comparison between statistical hypotheses and research hypotheses.

This grey literature review documents koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) conservation initiatives applied across 12 local government areas in South East Queensland, Australia. To overcome threats to koalas' survival, the grey literature indicates that local governments in this region focus on wildlife management solutions, wildlife signage, habitat restoration projects and koala awareness campaigns. Despite these measures, land clearing of koala habitat to cater for urban population growth combined with recent bushfires and floods have contributed to the decline of koalas in this region. Recommendations to enhance progress include greater usage of the grey literature in peer review work and further application of social marketing to encourage residents to uptake behaviors that can mitigate threats to koalas, including slowing down when driving in koala zones, participating in citizen science, and leashing dogs when walking in native bush areas. The need for collaborative efforts aimed at conserving the koala from potential extinction is indicated. This paper provides an approach that can be applied to track progress on coordinated efforts to conserve koalas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Mapping species distributions is a crucial but challenging requirement of wildlife management. The frequent need to sample vast expanses of potential habitat increases the cost of planned surveys and rewards accumulation of opportunistic observations. In this paper, we integrate planned‐survey data from roost counts with opportunistic samples from eBird, WikiAves and Xeno‐canto citizen‐science platforms to map the geographic range of the endangered Vinaceous‐breasted Parrot. We demonstrate the estimation and mapping of species occurrence based on data integration while accounting for specifics of each dataset, including observation technique and uncertainty about the observations. Location: Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Methods: Our analysis illustrates (a) the incorporation of sampling effort, spatial autocorrelation and site covariates in a joint‐likelihood, hierarchical, data integration model; (b) the evaluation of the contribution of each dataset, as well as the contribution of effort covariates, spatial autocorrelation and site covariates to the predictive ability of fitted models using a cross‐validation approach; and (c) how spatial representation of the latent occupancy state (i.e. realized occupancy) helps identify areas with high uncertainty that should be prioritized in future fieldwork. Results: We estimate a Vinaceous‐breasted Parrot geographic range of 434,670 km2, which is three times larger than the "Extant" area previously reported in the IUCN Red List. The exclusion of one dataset at a time from the analyses always resulted in worse predictions by the models of truncated data than by the Full Model, which included all datasets. Likewise, exclusion of spatial autocorrelation, site covariates or sampling effort resulted in worse predictions. Main conclusions: The integration of different datasets into one joint‐likelihood model produced a more reliable representation of the species range than any individual dataset taken on its own, improving the use of citizen‐science data in combination with planned‐survey results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Wildlife management on a landscape scale is often complex, particularly where different land use practices occur in the same region. This is particularly so for the management of overabundant grazing species (both domestic and native) in a modified landscape, where anthropogenic activities and climatic drivers can influence their distribution and abundance beyond sustainable levels. In Australia's arid rangelands, macropods benefit from pastoral activities including improved pastures, artificial watering points and the removal of apex predators. This paper addresses some of the challenges associated with managing Red Kangaroo (Osphranter rufus) in a conservation context on the privately managed Boolcoomatta Station conservation reserve in the South Australian arid rangelands. We reflect on the history of the region and how anthropogenic activities, associated with an unpredictable climate, have made macropod management so complex. Ecological monitoring at Boolcoomatta Station suggests that, along with the influence of rainfall, grazing by overabundant Red Kangaroo had a negative impact on vegetation and resident avifauna of chenopod plains. Fenced exclosures further demonstrate the grazing impact of Red Kangaroo, with perennial grasses found only where grazing was excluded. The closure of waterpoints (dams) failed to reduce Red Kangaroo impacts on the reserve, despite some evidence that persistence of Red Kangaroo near fenced dams may be reduced in the long term. Results of monitoring and management outcomes at Boolcoomatta highlight the need for an improved framework to manage Red Kangaroo. This should include consideration of improved regional stock management practices in the face of climate change; improving our understanding of the role of apex predators in agricultural landscapes; developing and setting grazing impact thresholds to instigate macropod management; improving and standardizing monitoring methods for assessing impacts; and lastly, consideration of the mental health and social well‐being of land managers in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Serengeti–Mara ecosystem in East Africa is a spectacular natural heritage endowed with diverse fauna and flora. The presence of the seasonally migrating wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) is a major boost for tourism. This migration however has enormous impacts to the ecosystem. Consequently efforts at monitoring the herd's migration trends and patterns remain a challenge to wildlife managers and ecologists in the region. In this paper, the relative influence of vegetation (normalized difference vegetation index), landscape and relief on herds migration routes are investigated and the migration routes simulated using GIS and remote sensing techniques. The results are compared with the annual mean route taken by the herds, as determined by radio tracking over the 1995–1997 period. Green vegetation availability is shown to be the major criterion in route choice. It is also shown that during the dry season phases of the migration (western trek, western corridor), the herd endures complex relief (complexity quantified based on slope and inter-visibility) in the search for greener grass. During the season of abundance (southern trek), relief becomes critical in making route choices, with herds avoiding difficult terrain, notwithstanding their relatively more abundant vegetation. The method proposed in this paper is viable for rapid prediction of approximate routes for the migrating wildebeest in different climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates papers published between 1980 and 2001 that used acoustics to address questions regarding the use of habitat by bats. Comparison of the research design of those papers with the established research criteria; Predication of the science of wildlife management; Differential use of habitats by all bats.

This paper describes roe deer Capreolus capreolus distribution in central Spain, where the species has spread from the mountains into peripheral agricultural areas. In this region, it is more abundant in forest fragments near the mountains than in those further away, in pineand oak woodlands than in sclerophyllous forests, and in forests with open water than in those lacking this resource. The paper also analyzes whether habitat quality and geographic location of forests with respect to roe deer source areas are the two basic causes of its distribution, as predicted by some models of the species distribution in fragmented landscapes. The results corroborate this hypothesis revealing that roe deer abundance is linked negatively to sclerophyllous forest cover and distance from mountains. We conclude that this type offarmland seems to be sub-optimal for roe deer in comparison with forested, moist mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary 1. Biodiversity is being lost in our rapidly changing world. Most studies that examine biodiversity measure species richness, but loss of functional diversity (FD) - defined as the trait variation or dispersion in an assemblage - is equally important. FD is useful for management actions focused on ecosystem services or functions, especially when ecosystem function is ambiguously defined, or there are multiple functions of interest. Because FD is often a multivariate measure of species differences, it has additional relevance given that we seldom have a complete understanding of how traits translate to function. 2. This Special Profile includes six papers that examine how management activities or policy could benefit from consideration of the functional contributions of species. When focused on species richness, management activities may unintentionally reduce FD, with detrimental consequences for ecosystem services or stability. For example, two of the studies included in this Special Profile show that grassland management (e.g. mowing or grazing) can result in loss of FD, which may result in an unintended loss of ecosystem services. 3. A third paper reviews how species extinction and environmental change can negatively affect FD and, potentially, ecosystem function. At the individual species level, invasions offer insight into the importance of species traits. The fourth paper in this Special Profile describes how an invader is successful because of unique trait values, underlining the importance of examining FD when considering management options. In another paper, eutrophication is shown to drastically affect lichen functional groups (some decreasing and some increasing) with a minor effect on overall richness. The final paper demonstrates that the ability of aquatic plants to maintain biomass production in changing environments is determined by their complementary contributions to productivity. These complementary contributions to ecosystem function -especially given that they are more important in fluctuating environments - need to be included in evaluations of diversity. 4. Synthesis and applications. As FD is increasingly assessed in applied studies, it will call into question how we measure diversity and evaluate management success. It is clear that species richness cannot be the only measure considered. Given that environmental change and management activities can reduce FD as well as the number of species, management goals and criteria for success need to include FD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trials involving volitionally placed carcasses are often used to estimate the portion of the collision-caused fatality population that is undetected by periodic fatality searches at wind turbines. Huso and Erickson criticized our paper reporting on a comparison of carcass persistence rates between what we termed conventional versus novel approaches to these trials. In our novel approach, we measured carcass persistence rates by placing only 1-2 fresh carcasses per week, instead of the typical 10 or more carcasses at a time, often using found carcasses of unknown time since death. Huso and Erickson directed most of their critique to this novel aspect of our approach, although the novelty of our approach also included the use of event-triggered camera traps, which we used to record exact times of removals and to identify vertebrate scavenger species responsible for the removals. In our replies to Huso and Erickson's major criticisms, we acknowledge flaws in our field methods for arriving at fatality rate estimates, but we also point out the larger flaws in the methods used by Huso and Erickson, especially in their use of mean days to removal as a measure of carcass persistence. We conclude by introducing a more appropriate detection trial, which combines searcher detection and scavenger removal trials, and integrates this detection trial into periodic fatality monitoring. © 2013 The Wildlife Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat suitability index (HSI) models rarely characterize the uncertainty associated with their estimates of habitat quality despite the fact that uncertainty can have important management implications. The purpose of this paper was to explore the use of Bayesian belief networks (BBNs) for representing and propagating 3 types of uncertainty in HSI models-uncertainty in the suitability index relationships, the parameters of the HSI equation, and measurement of habitat variables (i.e., model inputs). I constructed a BBN-HSI model, based on an existing HSI model, using Netica™ software. I parameterized the BBN's conditional probability tables via Monte Carlo methods, and developed a discretization scheme that met specifications for numerical error. I applied the model to both real and dummy sites in order to demonstrate the utility of the BBN-HSI model for 1) determining whether sites with different habitat types had statistically significant differences in HSI, and 2) making decisions based on rules that reflect different attitudes toward risk-maximum expected value, maximin, and maximax. I also examined effects of uncertainty in the habitat variables on the model's output. Some sites with different habitat types had different values for E[HSI], the expected value of HSI, but habitat suitability was not significantly different based on the overlap of 90% confidence intervals for E[HSI]. The different decision rules resulted in different rankings of sites, and hence, different decisions based on risk. As measurement uncertainty in habitat variables increased, sites with significantly different (α = 0.1) E[HSI] became statistically more similar. Incorporating uncertainty in HSI models enables explicit consideration of risk and more robust habitat management decisions. © 2012 The Wildlife Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Models predicting the spatial distribution of animals are increasingly used in wildlife management and conservation planning. There is growing recognition that common methods of evaluating species distribution model (SDM) accuracy, as a global overall value of predictive ability, could be enhanced by spatially evaluating the model thereby identifying local areas of relative predictive strength and weakness. Current methods of spatial SDM model assessment focus on applying local measures of spatial autocorrelation to SDM residuals, which require quantitative model outputs. However, SDM outputs are often probabilistic (relative probability of species occurrence) or categorical (species present or absent). The goal of this paper was to develop a new method, using a conditional randomization technique, which can be applied to directly spatially evaluate probabilistic and categorical SDMs. Eastern slopes, Rocky Mountains, Alberta, Canada. We used predictions from seasonal grizzly bear ( Ursus arctos) resource selection functions (RSF) models to demonstrate our spatial evaluation technique. Local test statistics computed from bear telemetry locations were used to identify areas where bears were located more frequently than predicted. We evaluated the spatial pattern of model inaccuracies using a measure of spatial autocorrelation, local Moran's I. We found the model to have non-stationary patterns in accuracy, with clusters of inaccuracies located in central habitat areas. Model inaccuracies varied seasonally, with the summer model performing the best and the least error in areas with high RSF values. The landscape characteristics associated with model inaccuracies were examined, and possible factors contributing to RSF error were identified. The presented method complements existing spatial approaches to model error assessment as it can be used with probabilistic and categorical model output, which is typical for SDMs. We recommend that SDM accuracy assessments be done spatially and resulting accuracy maps included in model metadata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As use of Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) for model selection has become increasingly common, so has a mistake involving interpretation of models that are within 2 AIC units (DAIC M2) of the top-supported model. Such models are ,2 DAIC units because the penalty for one additional parameter is +2 AIC units, but model deviance is not reduced by an amount sufficient to overcome the 2- unit penalty and, hence, the additional parameter provides no net reduction in AIC. Simply put, the uninformative parameter does not explain enough variation to justify its inclusion in the model and it should not be interpreted as having any ecological effect. Models with uninformative parameters are frequently presented as being competitive in the Journal of Wildlife Management, including 72% of all AIC-based papers in 2008, and authors and readers need to be more aware of this problem and take appropriate steps to eliminate misinterpretation. I reviewed 5 potential solutions to this problem: 1) report all models but ignore or dismiss those with uninformative parameters, 2) use model averaging to ameliorate the effect of uninformative parameters, 3) use 95% confidence intervals to identify uninformative parameters, 4) perform all-possible subsets regression and use weight-of-evidence approaches to discriminate useful from uninformative parameters, or 5) adopt a methodological approach that allows models containing uninformative parameters to be culled from reported model sets. The first approach is preferable for small sets of a priori models, whereas the last 2 approaches should be used for large model sets or exploratory modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, a number of papers have addressed the use of pedigrees in the study of wild populations, highlighting the value of pedigrees in conservation management. We used pedigrees to study the horses (Equus caballus) of Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland, USA, one of a small number of free-ranging animal populations that have been the subject of long-term studies. This population grew from 28 in 1968 to 175 in 2001, causing negative impacts on the island ecosystem. To minimize these effects, an immunocontraception program was instituted, and horse numbers are slowly decreasing. However, there is concern that this program may negatively affect the genetic health of the herd. We found that although mitochondrial DNA diversity is low, nuclear diversity is comparable to that of established breeds. Using genetic data, we verified and amended maternal pedigrees that had been primarily based on behavioral data and inferred paternity using genetic data along with National Park Service records of the historic ranges of males. The resulting pedigrees enabled us to examine demography, founder contributions, rates of inbreeding and loss of diversity over recent generations, as well as the level of kinship among horses. We then evaluated the strategy of removing individuals (using nonlethal means) with the highest mean kinship values. Although the removal strategy increased the retained diversity of founders and decreased average kinship between individuals, it disproportionately impacted sizes of the youngest age classes. Our results suggest that a combined strategy of controlled breeding and immunocontraception would be more effective than removing individuals with high mean kinships in preserving the long-term health and viability of the herd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wildlife conservation institution (Institution) needs to reform to maintain legitimacy and relevancy in the 21st century. Institutional reform is inherently slow. Limitations resulting from historical and resource dependencies between state wildlife agencies and hunters have left the Institution poorly positioned to meet changing ecological and social complexities. In this paper, we suggest that an ideal Institution would have the following 4 components: broad-based funding, trustee-based governance, multidisciplinary science as the basis of recommendations from professional staff, and involvement of diverse stakeholders and partners. Our suggestions reflect the fundamental tenets of the Public Trust Doctrine, which we believe is the foundation of the Institution. In bringing forth these ideas, we hope to encourage discussion about how the Institution should reform to meet the changing needs of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I hypothesized that statistical ritual has supplanted knowledge accrual as the sine qua non of wildlife science. Under the hypothesis, I deduced occurrence of 1) significance testing of the obvious and inconsequential, 2) quantitative debasement of research problems, and 3) publication of papers that largely lacked information but were methodologically impeccable. Articles in past and recent wildlife literature fit the deductions and supported the hypothesis. Thus, wildlife science is operating inefficiently because quantitative formalities are supplanting ecological information in technical articles. This problem can be corrected by a change of mindset in authors, referees, and editors. The change entails less emphasis on quantitative ritual and more emphasis on information that aids in understanding and explaining nature and managing wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eastern Canada (ECA) Flocks data set consists of manually annotated images from the Common Eider (COEI, Somateria mollissima) Winter Survey and the Greater Snow Geese (GSGO, Anser caerulescens atlanticus) Spring Survey. The images were taken in eastern Canada using fixed‐wing aircraft and manually annotated with ImageJ's Cell counter plugins. We selected and annotated the ECA Flocks images in order to test the precision of the CountEm flock size estimation method. ECA Flocks includes 179 COEI and 99 GSGO single flock images. We cut each image manually to a rectangle that excluded large parts of the image with no birds. Both versions (original and cut) of each image are available in the data set. We manually annotated 637,555 (124,309 COEI and 514,235 GSGO) bird positions in the cut images from both surveys. Each bird has an associated "Type," which refers to species and/or sex. Sex identification was only possible for adult common eiders, because females and immature males are brown birds, whereas adult males have mainly white plumage. In the COEI images 64,484 males and 58,029 females, as well as 1,796 birds of other species, were identified. In the GSGO images 504,891 Snow Geese and 9,344 birds of other species were labeled. A.csv file including all annotated bird positions and types is available for each image. The COEI and GSGO photos of the ECA Flocks data set were taken in the years 2006 and 2018 and 2016–2018, respectively. We selected these photos in order to include images with different quality and resolution. COEI and GSGO flock sizes range from 6 to 4,154 and from 43 to 36,241 respectively. There is high variability in light conditions, backgrounds, and number and spatial arrangement of birds across the images. The data set is therefore potentially useful to test the precision of methods for analyzing imagery to estimate the abundance of animals by directly detecting, identifying, and counting individuals. We release these data into the public domain under a Creative Commons Zero license waiver. When you use the data in your publication, cite this data paper. Should ECA Flocks be a major part of the data analyzed in your study, you should consider inviting the ECA Flocks originators as collaborators. If you plan to use the ECA Flocks data set, we request that you contact the ECA Flocks core team to learn whether updates are available, and whether similar analyses are already ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimating density is a fundamental objective of many animal population studies. Application of methods for estimating population size from ostensibly closed populations is widespread, but ineffective for estimating absolute density because most populations are subject to short-term movements or so-called temporary emigration. This phenomenon invalidates the resulting estimates because the effective sample area is unknown. A number of methods involving the adjustment of estimates based on heuristic considerations are in widespread use. In this paper, a hierarchical model of spatially indexed capture-recapture data is proposed for sampling based on area searches of spatial sample units subject to uniform sampling intensity. The hierarchical model contains explicit models for the distribution of individuals and their movements, in addition to an observation model that is conditional on the location of individuals during sampling. Bayesian analysis of the hierarchical model is achieved by the use of data augmentation, which allows for a straightforward implementation in the freely available software WinBUGS. We present results of a simulation study that was carried out to evaluate the operating characteristics of the Bayesian estimator under variable densities and moyement patterns of individuals. An application of the model is presented for survey data on the flat-tailed horned lizard (Phrynosorna mcallii) in Arizona, USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reach its potential wildlife management needs a coherent purpose. Traditional divisions between science, society, and nature, however, create conflicts between responsibility to science, the public, and nature. These divisions emerged as early as Plato's (400 BC) allegory of the cave. In Plato's allegory human society existed inside a cave formed by its own delusions, and a philosopher or scientist could leave the cave and apprehend reality in nature. Wildlife management's simultaneous responsibility to public preferences, objective truth, and biotic integrity provides the foundation for a conservation worldview capable of transcending the divisions embodied in Plato's allegory. In this paper we deconstruct the conflicted worldview standing on that foundation and describe a land community-based worldview for wildlife management that could replace it. The transition from traditional views of science, society, and nature to a land community worldview requires 1) changing scientific stewardship from seeking objective truth to seeking credible truth, 2) changing political stewardship from following societal dictates to representing wildlife within the land community, and 3) changing ethical stewardship from protecting biotic integrity to fighting permanent closure of land community boundaries. Adopting a land community worldview for wildlife management requires relinquishing the illusion of absolute objectivity and a fall from status as neutral arbiters of knowledge but provides a means for honorably seeking reliable knowledge, serving the public and respecting the land community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind energy development represents significant challenges and opportunities in contemporary wildlife management. Such challenges include the large size and extensive placement of turbines that may represent potential hazards to birds and bats. However, the associated infrastructure required to support an array of turbines--such as roads and transmission lines--represents an even larger potential threat to wildlife than the turbines themselves because such infrastructure can result in extensive habitat fragmentation and can provide avenues for invasion by exotic species. There are numerous conceptual research opportunities that pertain to issues such as identifying the best and worst placement of sites for turbines that will minimize impacts on birds and bats. Unfortunately, to date very little research of this type has appeared in the peer-reviewed scientific literature; much of it exists in the form of unpublished reports and other forms of gray literature. In this paper, we summarize what is known about the potential impacts of wind farms on wildlife and identify a 3-part hierarchical approach to use the scientific method to assess these impacts. The Lower Gulf Coast (LGC) of Texas, USA, is a region currently identified as having a potentially negative impact on migratory birds and bats, with respect to wind farm development. This area is also a region of vast importance to wildlife from the standpoint of native diversity, nature tourism, and opportunities for recreational hunting. We thus use some of the emergent issues related to wind farm development in the LGC--such as siting turbines on cropland sites as opposed to on native rangelands--to illustrate the kinds of challenges and opportunities that wildlife managers must face as we balance our demand for sustainable energy with the need to conserve and sustain bird migration routes and corridors, native vertebrates, and the habitats that support them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper illustrates how age-at-harvest data, when combined with hunter-effort information routinely collected by state game management agencies, can be used to estimate and monitor trends in big game abundance. Twenty-four years of age-at-harvest data for black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus) were analyzed to produce abundance estimates ranging from 1,281 adult females to 3,232 adult females on a 22,079-ha tree farm in Pierce County, Washington, USA. The annual natural survival probability was estimated to be 0.7293 (SE = 0.0097) for this female population. The estimated abundance was highly correlated with an independent browse damage index (r=0.8131, P < 0.001). A population reconstruction incorporating the browse index did not substantially improve the model fit but did provide an auxiliary model for predicting deer abundance. This population reconstruction illustrates a cost-effective alternative to expensive big game survey methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We perceive a need for more complete interpretation of regression models published in the wildlife literature to minimize the appearance of poor models and to maximize the extraction of information from good models. Accordingly, we offer this primer on interpretation of parameters in single- and multi-variable regression models. Using examples from the wildlife literature, we illustrate how to interpret linear zero-intercept, simple linear, semi-log, log-log, and polynomial models based on intercepts, coefficients, and shapes of relationships. We show how intercepts and coefficients have biological and management interpretations. We examine multiple linear regression models and show how to use the signs (+, -) of coefficients to assess the merit and meaning of a derived model. We discuss 3 methods of viewing the output of 3-dimensional models (y, x1, x2) in 2-dimensional space (sheet of paper) and illustrate graphical model interpretation with a 4-dimensional logistic regression model. Statistical significance or Akaike best-ness does not prevent the appearance of implausible regression models. We recommend that members of the peer review process be sensitive to full interpretation of regression models to forestall bad models and maximize information retrieval from good models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. High-density populations of large herbivores are now widespread. Wildlife managers commonly attempt to control large herbivores through hunting to meet specific management objectives, considering population density as the minimal key source of information. Here, we review the problems of censusing populations of large herbivores and describe an alternative approach, employing indicators of ecological change. 2. Estimating density of large herbivores with high precision and accuracy is difficult, especially over large areas, and requires considerable investment of time, people and money. Management decisions are often made on an annual basis, informed by population changes over the previous year. However, estimating year-to-year changes in density is not a realistic goal for most large herbivores. Furthermore, population density per se provides no information on the relationship between the population and its habitat. 3. For successful management of large herbivores, we need to consider not only the fate of the population, but rather changes in both population and habitat features, as well as their interaction. Managers require information on trends in both the animal population and habitat quality in order to interpret changes in the interaction between these two compartments. 4. We propose that a set of indicators of animal performance, population abundance, habitat quality and/or herbivore habitat impact provides relevant information on the population–habitat system. Monitoring temporal changes in these indicators provides a new basis for setting hunting quotas to achieve specific management objectives. This sort of adaptive management is employed widely in France for managing roe deer Capreolus capreolus. 5. Synthesis and applications. The management of large herbivores would be improved by investing fewer resources in trying to estimate the absolute abundance of ungulates, and more resources in collecting additional data to inform understanding of the ecological status of the ungulate–habitat system being managed. This paper presents a set of indicators of ecological change for monitoring the interaction between a population and its habitat as a basis for adaptive management to attain explicit goals and to improve knowledge of the system. This approach could improve management for a variety of large herbivores, by harmonizing actions at wide spatial scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how organisms selectively use resources is essential for designing wildlife management strategies. The probability that an individual uses a given resource, as characterized by environmental factors, can be quantified in terms of the resource selection probability function (RSPF). The present literature on the topic has claimed that, except when both used and unused sites are known, the RSPF is non-estimable and that only a function proportional to RSPF, namely, the resource selection function (RSF) can be estimated. This paper describes a close connection between the estimation of the RSPF and the estimation of the weight function in the theory of weighted distributions. This connection can be used to obtain fully efficient, maximum likelihood estimators of the resource selection probability function under commonly used survey designs in wildlife management. The method is illustrated using GPS collar data for mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus de Blainville 1816) in northwest British Columbia, Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing human-wildlife interactions in urban and suburban environments have created new challenges for management agencies as residents seek to become more involved in the decision-making process. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) management may best illustrate both the challenges and the opportunities that exist in human-dominated environments. In these settings wildlife managers are increasingly being expected to engage stakeholders in identifying objectives and implementing management actions tailored to local needs and circumstances. We argue that successful management in these environments in closely related to several attributes of the stakeholder involvement process. Thus, additional theoretical developments and more empirical research will be needed to help managers facilitate community-based decision-making processes that are truly collaborative We believe the next frontier for continued advancement and increased community and agency satisfaction with suburban deer management is improving local knowledge and leadership. We contend this can best be done through comprehensive intervention programs. In thin paper we draw on the body of wildlife agency collaborative management process research to identify and describe the role of knowledge and local leadership in collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife managers frequently use estimates of population densities to guide ungulate management Because it is nearly impossible to obtain accurate counts, these estimates are based on indices. Thus, managers continue to seek new index methods that could help them better monitor and manage ungulate populations. In this paper we examine the usefulness of hind foot length as an ecological indicator of density dependence for monitoring roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) populations. We used the hind feet of all roe deer shot over an entire province for 13 years that were collected by wildlife managers from the Tam Hunter Federation (France) to conduct this research. Information on the sex, date, and shooting locality were recorded by hunters, and animal age was determined by wildlife managers. We divided the province into 3 biogeographical regions and investigated the relationship between hind foot length of roe deer fawns, spring and summer climate (temperature and precipitation), and an index of deer density (number of shot roe deer per square kilometer) by region using linear models. Hind foot length differed between sexes and between regions. In 2 out of 3 regions, we observed a negative relationship between hind foot length and our index of roe deer density. Further, hind foot length was lower when springs (but not summers) were cold or wet. We interpreted these trends in relation to changes in population density and habitat structure. We concluded that hind foot length is a useful indicator for assessing the density-dependent relationship between roe deer populations and their environment and for monitoring population trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimating game harvest is among the most important activities of wildlife management agencies. For many state agencies, postseason hunter surveys are the basis for obtaining estimates of harvest. However, the questionnaire design and the questions asked can have a great effect on the accuracy of the harvest estimates. The purpose of this paper is to present alternative models for analyzing postseason hunter questionnaire data. Our model extends the White (1993) approach by incorporating local information from both successful and unsuccessful hunters in cases where that information is available from postseason surveys. Our approach relaxes 2 assumptions: 1) the probability that a hunter reports the area hunted is the same across areas and 2) all hunters have the same probability of success regardless of area hunted. Unless assumptions regarding common harvest rates across areas can be validated a priori, questionnaires should be designed to provide that geographic information. This information should be obtained from both successful and unsuccessful hunters. Previously, managers were primarily concerned whether nonrespondents had the same harvest success as survey respondents. We argue that this concern should be extended to include consideration of differences in reporting rates by geographic area as well. Agency goals, data requirements, and possible differences in harvest rates by region must, therefore, guide the design of hunter harvest questionnaires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resource-selection probability functions and occupancy models are powerful methods of identifying areas within a landscape that are highly used by a species. One common design/analysis method for estimation of a resource-selection probability function is to classify a sample of units as used or unused and estimate the probability of use as a function of independent variables using, for example, logistic regression. This method requires that resource units are correctly classified as unused (i.e., the species is never undetected in a used unit), or that the probability of misclassification is the same for all units. In this paper, I explore these issues, illustrating how misclassifying units as unused may lead to incorrect conclusions about resource use. I also show how recently developed occupancy models can be utilized within the resource-selection context to improve conclusions by explicitly accounting for detection probability. These models require that multiple surveys be conducted at each of a sample of resource units within a relatively short timeframe, but given the growing evidence from simulation studies and field data, I recommend that such procedures should be incorporated into studies of resource use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design and analysis of resource selection studies, where resources, such as habitats, are categorical have been commonly used for the past four decades. These methods have been evaluated, criticized, modified, and extended in the wildlife and statistical science literature. In this paper, we review some of the history of resource selection studies and place these studies in the context of wildlife science. Severe/variations of resource studies are presented along with historical data sets to illustrate the type of data obtained from some study designs. Common methods of analysis are introduced and compared in the terms of appropriate application to data from the various study designs, underlying assumptions, and hypotheses being tested. Criticisms of severe/of the methods of analysis are reviewed along with fundamental concerns about resource selection studies from the recent literature. Implications for analysis and interpretation of results are presented along with suggestions for future development. Resource selection studies can provide useful management information but only if the design is sound, analysis is appropriate, and much care is taken in the interpretation of results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a model is set up to determine the size of the wildlife population compatible with the extraction of the maximum output by rural people from natural resources. It is found that when the size of human population increases, to obtain the maximum output of food, the size of wildlife population decreases if the human population is growing faster than or at the same rate as that of the wildlife population; whereas the size of the wildlife population increases if the human population is growing slower than that of the wildlife. Furthermore, in the event that the increase in the size of the wildlife population is unable to reach the level compatible with the extraction of the maximum output of food, the improvement of the wildlife habitat and supplementing rural people's income with the proceeds of tourism are proposed as policies to maintain a balance between the preservation of the wildlife habitat and the use of natural resources by rural people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used habitat-selection data from a reintroduced population of elk (Cervus elaphus) in northeastern Nevada, USA, to develop a resource- selection function to adjust nutritional carrying capacity estimates. Constrained estimates provide population levels that minimize overuse of key foraging communities. We estimated economic nutritional carrying capacity (INCC) for 236-kg lactating cow elk in autumn 1999 and 2000 to reflect expected animal performance under maintenance (2,550 kcal/kg DM) and good (2,750 kcal/kg DM) levels of standing digestible energy. We used our resource-selection function to redistribute INCC densities (RSFD) for aspen (Populus tremuloides), conifer, cud-leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus Iedifolius), sagebrush (Artemisia spp.)-herb, and snowbrush ceanothus (Ceanothus velutinus) cover types across the summer range and then adjusted original `INCC estimates according to these RSFD when expected densities exceeded original INCC estimates. Maintenance performance INCC estimates were 2,533 cow elk (95% Cl: 1,327–3,739) in 1999 and 1,655 (95% Cl: 886–2,424) in 2000. Good performance INCC estimates were 2,264 cow elk (95% Cl: 1,150–3,378) in 1999 and 1,100 (95% Cl: 384–1,816) in 2000. The best habitat model provided evidence that forage availability and distance to water influenced habitat selection. Adjustments in INCC for 1999 and 2000 and at both performance levels corresponded to decreases of 18–35% in original INCC estimates. Decreases were attributed to more cow elk predicted by RSFD to be in aspen, conifer, and sagebrush-herb cover types than predicted by INCC. Each year, RSFD predicted that fewer elk would use mahogany and snowbrush cover types than original INCC models. The adjusted carrying capacity estimates provided population levels that should avoid appreciable alteration of aspen, conifer, and sagebrush-herb communities while ensuring nutritious resources during lean periods. Our paper provides a critical refinement for nutritional carrying capacity models through incorporating prediction of animal selection of nutritional resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a new method for estimating elephant densities by counting elephant wells and dung boli within dry seasonal flooding rivers. A combination of aerial and ground counts of elephant wells and dung boli in the Ewaso Ngiro River were related to elephant numbers, obtained from an on-going monitoring program of individually identified elephants in Samburu and Buffalo Spring National Reserves, Kenya. The total number of elephant observations was highly correlated with both densities of wells and dung boli at a spatial resolution of 4-km river-section. This indicates that both wells and droppings can be used for estimating relative densities at such spatial resolution. The method can be used as a quick and reliable way of estimating relative elephant densities in semiarid regions but is sensitive to differences in the time when different parts of the river dry out and will be unreliable in areas with secondary un-censused water sources. A short 4-week period between the river dry out and the count is recommended, because of an error induced by a level of well reuse and the difficulties in counting areas of high well densities from the air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due primarily to wolf (Canis lupus) predation on livestock (depredation), some livestock producers and other interest groups oppose wolf conservation, which is an important objective for large sectors of the public. Predicting depredation occurrence is difficult, yet necessary to prevent it. Better prediction of wolf depredation also would facilitate application of sound depredation management actions. In this paper we analyze temporal trends in wolf depredation occurrence and wolf control, which is employed as a depredation management action. We gathered data from wolf depredation investigations for Alberta, Canada, from 1982-1996 and for Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, USA, from 1987-2003. We showed that wolf attacks occurred with a seasonal pattern, reflecting the seasonality of livestock calving, grazing practices, and seasonal variation in energetic requirements of wolf packs. Seasonal wolf attacks were auto-correlated with lags of one year, indicating annual reoccurrence. Cross-correlation analyses indicated that limited wolf control was rapidly employed as a short-term response to depredation, and was not designed to decrease wolf depredation at a regional scale or in the long-term. We therefore discovered a reoccurring seasonal-annual pattern for wolf depredation and wolf control in western North America. Ranchers and managers could use our data for focusing investment of resources to prevent wolf depredation increases during high-depredation seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides guidelines for preparing manuscripts submitted to The Journal of Wildlife Management (JWM) for publication consideration. Authors should submit manuscripts in the format and style described in this document, but realize that their manuscripts should not look identical to this (typeset) article when initially submitted. These guidelines are also available at http://www.wildlife.org and http://jwm.allentrack.net, where they do appear in the form of a sample manuscript. Proper preparation of manuscripts increases the probability and speed of acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there are no accepted standards in the wildlife literature for reporting details of digital map products used to assess habitat. Digital maps developed from remotely sensed images vary widely in how they represent landscapes. Consequently, certain characteristics of remotely sensed data need to be addressed when reporting results obtained from digital maps to allow the reader to understand the strengths and limitations of the map product(s) used. We reviewed 44 articles published in The Journal of Wildlife Management between 2000-2002 that used digital maps developed from aerial photography or satellite imagery to assess wildlife habitat and summarized which map parameters were reported and which were overlooked. We found that most papers failed to report important details about digital map products used to assess wildlife habitat. To provide an example of variability in digital map products, we compared digital maps developed from aerial photographs and satellite imagery that we used to measure vegetation characteristics within northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) territories as part of a region-wide demographic study. We found that the 2 map types produced quite different measurements of vegetation for the same area. Many differences that we observed are inherent to aerial photo and satellite maps in general. We provide a suggested list of map details to be reported when using digital vegetation maps to quantify wildlife habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a reply to the commentary by A. R. Ellingson and P.M. Lukacz about a paper which outlined why regional bird monitoring programs and are needed and why birds should be used as monitoring tools. Use of population indices; Program design and scientific methodology; Comparison between indices of abundance and density estimates.

The goals of wildlife management are slowly shifting from maximizing sustainable yields to increasing wildlife values for society. The difficulty with this latter goal, of course, is assessing whether it has been achieved. This is especially true when some values or benefits provided by wildlife are unrecognized. In this paper we argue that there are 3 wildlife values that people sense at a subconscious level but wildlife biologists have failed to articulate. These are the historical, empathic, and character-assessment values of wildlife. Recognition of these values and their importance can explain apparent paradoxes that occur when wildlife policies that should "be correct" based on recognized wildlife values do not "feel correct" at a subconscious level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract:That the greatest challenges in conservation are often not technical but rather economic or sociological has been expressed for at least the last 20 years. This raises the question of whether the training offered to tomorrow's conservation practitioners prepares them sufficiently to deal with the human dimensions of conservation. We analyzed 747 papers from seven wildlife management and conservation biology journals to determine the trends in this area of conservation management between 1985 and 1995. We found that over that time the emphasis stayed on single-species issues with a science focus, but there was a marked shift toward conservation biology issues, management-oriented research, and discussion of economic and social factors relevant to management. We also examined the handbooks of 11 Australian universities to analyze the content of 439 compulsory subjects in 12 degrees that we judged could produce wildlife managers. More than 68% of subjects were from a basic science or technology discipline, 16% from resource management, and only 13% from economics, humanities, communications, or planning. Thus, many of the skills required by contemporary wildlife managers must be learned in postgraduate training or on the job. Much of the undergraduate training syllabus, in Australia at least, does not reflect trends in the practice of wildlife management today and will not provide tomorrow's managers with the range of disciplinary understanding required. We were able, however, to identify three types of undergraduate training—ecological system managers, environmental managers, and human system managers—and we found that the curricula in human-system management contained increased emphasis on socioeconomic issues relevant to management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary This paper presents a method to address two wildlife management problems in central African rainforests: the need for local communities to take responsibility for wildlife management, and the lack of simple and appropriate wildlife monitoring techniques. The method uses encounters of game species during net hunts to calculate abundance indices as well as to estimate population densities for the four principal game species in the Dzanga–Sangha region: the duikers Cephalophus monticola (10.7–20.4 km -2 ), C. dorsalis (1.2–2.0 km -2 ), and C. callipygus (0.9–1.2 km -2 ), and the brush-tailed porcupine Atherurus africanus (2.7–5.3 km -2 ). Game species behaviour, the hunting practice, and comparisons with results from other research across central Africa suggest that the method can provide valid density estimates for C. monticola and C. dorsalis , but only abundance indices for C. callipygus and A. africanus . Nevertheless, the method can be applied by hunters in the course of their normal activities, and is adapted to the local habitat types and game species. As such, it can be an important tool for local communities in developing sustainable wildlife management programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a paper that measured shrub canopy cover and height at 13 pronghorn fawn birth sites and 50 fawn bedding sites and compared them to measurements made at 47 random points in areas infrequently used by parturient pronghorn. Study area; Methods; Results; Discussion.

The use of wildlife resources is governed by a combination of private contracts and public regulations. Most often, private landowners control access rights, and government agencies regulate hunting and other uses. This paper shows that these institutions depend on wildlife values and the ability of private landowners to control access to species that inhabit their land. Logit regressions and literary sources are used to test implications about private hunting rights and state regulations. The data support the view that private, legal, and political forces have led to institutions that vary in ways consistent with wealth maximization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring surveys allow managers to document system status and provide the quantitative basis for management decision-making, and large amounts of effort and funding are devoted to monitoring. Still, monitoring surveys often fall short of providing required information; inadequacies exist in survey designs, analyses procedures, or in the ability to integrate the information into an appropriate evaluation of management actions. We describe current uses of monitoring data, provide our perspective on the value and limitations of current approaches to monitoring, and set the stage for 3 papers that discuss current goals and implementation of monitoring programs. These papers were derived from presentations at a symposium at The Wildlife Society's 13th Annual Conference in Anchorage, Alaska, USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author describes his experiences as editor-in-chief of the "Journal of Wildlife Management." In his one year as editor, he noticed a consistent problem with many papers submitted to the journal. The results section of each paper is often dominated by references to competing models and statistical differences among groups. The author says that he is not criticizing the use of statistics, but he encourages researchers to maintain a sharp focus on the biological underpinning of their work.

The article presents an overview of the July 2005 issue of the "Journal of Wildlife Management." The purpose stated by the organizers of the Special Section in the journal is to increase awareness among wildlife professionals of the value and utility of presence-absence information and to provide examples that are relevant to wildlife conservation and management. The papers included in the Special Section effectively demonstrate the increased value of presence-absence data when detectability biases are adjusted. A paper outlining the conflicts that arose following the introduction of deer to Australia in the 19th century has been included. Australians have considered deer as a pest and an important economic and hunting resource since their early introduction. This paper has a broad message for all wildlife professionals because it challenges the traditional paradigms of protection of native species and eradication of exotic species. This issue was brought together with the help of the TWS headquarters publications staff under Managing Editor Bill Rooney, especially Susan Monseur.

The populations of many North American landbirds are showing signs of declining. Gathering information on breeding productivity allows early detection of unhealthy populations and helps develop good habitat-management practices. In this paper, we study the performance of the Bayesian model ( , Biometrics 59, 962–973) for age-specific nest survival rates with irregular visits. We find that the estimates are satisfactory except for the age-one survival rate. Usually the more days skipped between two visits, the more serious the underestimation of the age-one survival rate. We investigated the problem and developed three approaches to adjust for the underestimation bias. The simulation results show that the three approaches can significantly improve the estimation of the age-one survival rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]