thumbnail

Spatial capture–recapture with partial identity: An application to camera traps

Annals of Applied Statistics
By: , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.1214/17-AOAS1091

Links

Abstract

Camera trapping surveys frequently capture individuals whose identity is only known from a single flank. The most widely used methods for incorporating these partial identity individuals into density analyses discard some of the partial identity capture histories, reducing precision, and, while not previously recognized, introducing bias. Here, we present the spatial partial identity model (SPIM), which uses the spatial location where partial identity samples are captured to probabilistically resolve their complete identities, allowing all partial identity samples to be used in the analysis. We show that the SPIM outperforms other analytical alternatives. We then apply the SPIM to an ocelot data set collected on a trapping array with double-camera stations and a bobcat data set collected on a trapping array with single-camera stations. The SPIM improves inference in both cases and, in the ocelot example, individual sex is determined from photographs used to further resolve partial identities—one of which is resolved to near certainty. The SPIM opens the door for the investigation of trapping designs that deviate from the standard two camera design, the combination of other data types between which identities cannot be deterministically linked, and can be extended to the problem of partial genotypes.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Spatial capture–recapture with partial identity: An application to camera traps
Series title Annals of Applied Statistics
DOI 10.1214/17-AOAS1091
Volume 12
Issue 1
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher IMS
Contributing office(s) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Description 29 p.
First page 67
Last page 95
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details