Open source evaluation of kilometric indexes of abundance

摘要: Abstract Kilometric Abundance Index (KAI) is a common measure used in wildlife studies because it allows straightforward comparison of species abundance different sites or at times. KAI expresses the ratio total number individuals (or signs presence) observed along transect by length covered each site. v.transect.kia new tool for GRASS GIS, developed automating evaluation KAI, reducing risk manual errors especially when handling large datasets. It can also split transects according to one environmental variable (typically habitat type) and evaluate true 3D length. calculates using point map sightings saves results attribute table, output be displayed any GIS further statistical analysis. The has been tested on field data from Northern Italy mountain hare ( Lepus timidus ), allowing first wide-area estimate.