Effects of sampling regime on the mean and variance of home range size estimates

摘要: 1. Although the home range is a fundamental ecological concept, there considerable debate over how it best measured. There substantial literature concerning precision and accuracy of all commonly used estimation methods; however, has been considerably less work estimates vary with sampling regime, this affects statistical inferences. 2. We propose new procedure, based on variance components analysis using generalized mixed effects models to examine regime. 3. To demonstrate method we analyse data from one study 32 individually marked roe deer another 21 kestrels. subsampled these simulate increasingly intense regimes, compared performance two kernel density (KDE) methods, minimum convex polygon (MCP) bivariate ellipse methods. 4. Variation between individuals areas contributed most total in size. Contrary recent concerns reliability, both KDE methods were remarkably efficient, robust unbiased: 10 fixes per month, if collected standardized number days, sufficient for accurate However, 95% isopleth should be avoided; recommend isopleths 90 50%. 5. Using same does not guarantee unbiased estimates: inferences differ days sampled, even 6. The MCP was highly inefficient results subject unpredictable biases. reliable at low sample sizes. 7. conclude that effort directed marking more monitored long periods expense rate individual. Statistical are only whole regime standardized. derive practical guidelines field studies analysis.