Longer study length, standardized sampling techniques, and broader geographic scope leads to higher likelihood of detecting stable abundance patterns in long term deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) studies

摘要: Ixodes scapularis (deer ticks) are a taxon of ecological and human health concern due to their status as primary vectors Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that transmits Lyme disease. Deer ticks thought be expanding in geographic range population size across eastern US, leading tick-vectored illness will correspondingly rise. However, because wide variability deer tick monitoring strategies, synthesis efforts may limited by sensitivity reliability data produced existing long term studies, especially inform forecasting proactive management. To address this, we explicitly examined role how study design parameters affect likelihood observing temporal trends studies. We used moving window approach investigate stability trajectories US. found several factors can have an impact on reaching abundance misleading results if does not reach stability. Our underscore need for longer studies when trying assess or broad spatial patterns. Moreover, our showcase importance length, sampling technique, life stage, scope shaping inferences from This is important synthesizing variety surveys potential forecasting.