Experimental Investigation of Observation Error in Anuran Call Surveys

摘要: Occupancy models that account for imperfect detection are often used to monitor anuran and songbird species occurrence. However, presence-absence data arising from auditory detections may be more prone observation error (e.g., false-positive detections) than sampling approaches utilizing physical captures or sightings of individuals. We conducted realistic, replicated field experiments using a remote broadcasting system simulate simple call surveys investigate potential factors affecting in these studies. Distance, time, ambient noise, observer abilities were the most important explaining false-negative detections. Distance ability best overall predictors errors, but noise competing also affected rates some species. False-positive errors made up 5% all positive detections, with individual observers exhibiting between 0.5% 14%. Previous research suggests magnitudes would induce substantial biases standard estimators occurrence, we recommend practices mitigate false positives when developing occupancy monitoring protocols rely on These recommendations include additional training, limiting number target species, establishing distance thresholds during surveys.