eCite Digital Repository
Observer errors in counts of macropod scats
Citation
Bulinski, J and McArthur, C, Observer errors in counts of macropod scats, Wildlife Research, 27, (3) pp. 277-282. ISSN 1035-3712 (2000) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.1071/WR98061
Abstract
The accuracy of faecal pellet, or scat, count data can be reduced by observer error. Two experiments were carried out to determine what proportion of Bennett's wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) and Tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale billardierii) scats were misidentified by observers and what proportion of scats were overlooked during counts. Observers did not always correctly identify the species from which scats originated. For each species, this affected estimates of the proportion of scats that were present. Observers still made errors even when they did not attempt to make identifications for any scats that they felt were not distinct in form. On average, there was no significant difference in the proportion of scats that were misidentified by inexperienced and experienced observers. Between 3% and 12% of scats were overlooked during standard counts. The probability of overlooking a scat was positively related to vegetation height and negatively related to vegetation cover.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
---|---|
Research Division: | Biological Sciences |
Research Group: | Zoology |
Research Field: | Zoology not elsewhere classified |
Objective Division: | Plant Production and Plant Primary Products |
Objective Group: | Other Plant Production and Plant Primary Products |
Objective Field: | Plant Production and Plant Primary Products not elsewhere classified |
Author: | Bulinski, J (Dr James Bulinski) |
Author: | McArthur, C (Dr Clare McArthur) |
ID Code: | 18846 |
Year Published: | 2000 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 20 |
Deposited By: | Zoology |
Deposited On: | 2000-08-01 |
Last Modified: | 2011-08-04 |
Downloads: | 0 |
Repository Staff Only: item control page