Detection probability of least tern and piping plover chicks in a large river system

摘要: Monitoring the abundance and stability of populations conservation concern is often complicated by an inability to perfectly detect all members population. Mark-recapture offers a flexible framework in which one may identify factors contributing imperfect detection, while at same time estimating demographic parameters such as or survival. We individually color-marked, recaptured, re-sighted 1,635 federally listed interior least tern (Sternula antillarum; endangered) chicks 1,318 piping plover (Charadrius melodus; threatened) from 2006 2009 4 study areas along Missouri River investigated effects observer-, subject-, site-level covariates suspected influencing detection. Increasing spent searching crew size increased probability detecting both species regardless area detection methods were not associated with decreased However, associations between highly variable combinations, indicating that universal mark-recapture design be appropriate. Published 2014. This article U.S. Government work public domain USA.