Evaluating Multi-Level Models to Test Occupancy State Responses of Plethodontid Salamanders

摘要: Plethodontid salamanders are diverse and widely distributed taxa play critical roles in ecosystem processes. Due to salamander use of structurally complex habitats, because only a portion population is available for sampling, evaluation sampling designs estimators provide strong inference about ecology responses conservation management activities. We conducted simulation study evaluate the effectiveness multi-scale hierarchical single-scale occupancy models context Before-After Control-Impact (BACI) experimental design with multiple levels sampling. Also, we fit model empirical data collected Oregon slender Ensatina across two years on 66 forest stands Cascade Range, Oregon, USA. All were within Bayesian framework. Estimator precision both improved increasing numbers primary secondary units, underscoring potential gains accrued when adding units. Both showed evidence estimator bias at low detection probabilities sample sizes; this problem was particularly acute model. Our results suggested that sufficient sizes could ameliorate issue. Empirical indicated associated strongly amount coarse woody debris (posterior mean = 0.74; SD 0.24); not -0.01; 0.29). indicate either suitable an provided sufficiently large. However, describe different processes estimate parameters. As result, recommend careful consideration questions objectives prior fitting models.