MODELING MOOSE SIGHTABILITY IN SOUTH-CENTRAL BRITISH COLUMBIA

Authors

  • James F. Quayle
  • A. Grant MacHutchon
  • Douglas N. Jury

Abstract

We developed a model to correct sightability bias in aerial surveys of moose in the southern interior of British Columbia. Sightability trials were conducted by searching sample blocks where radio-collared moose were recorded and used as independent variables for a logistic regression model of sightability. Univariate analysis revealed that percent vegetative cover, percent snow cover, and daily temperature all significantly influenced the probability of detecting a moose. However, multivariate analysis retained only vegetative cover as teh significant variable to predict sightability probability. This mirrors the results of analysis of similar trials done in western Wyoming that used the same independent variables as well as 6 additional ones. Two logistic regression models were developed for moose sightability; one based on 5 classes of vegetative cover and a second, less accurate, based on 3 classes of vegetative cover.

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Published

2001-01-01

How to Cite

Quayle, J. F., MacHutchon, A. G., & Jury, D. N. (2001). MODELING MOOSE SIGHTABILITY IN SOUTH-CENTRAL BRITISH COLUMBIA. Alces, 37(1), 43–54. Retrieved from https://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/539

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 1 (2001): Alces Vol. 37 No. 1 (2001)

Section

Articles

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