Estimating population size with imperfect detection using a parametric bootstrap
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Abstract
We develop a novel method of estimating population size from imperfectly detected counts of individuals and a separate estimate of detection probability. Observed counts are separated into classes within which detection probability is assumed constant. Within a detection class, counts are modeled as a single binomial observation X with success probability p where the goal is to estimate index N. We use a Horvitz–Thompson‐like estimator for N and account for uncertainty in both sample data and estimated success probability via a parametric bootstrap. Unlike capture–recapture methods, our model does not require repeated sampling of the population. Our method is able to achieve good results, even with small X. We show in a factorial simulation study that the median of the bootstrapped sample has small bias relative to N and that coverage probabilities of confidence intervals for N are near nominal under a wide array of scenarios. Our methodology begins to break down when P(X=0)>0.1 but is still capable of obtaining reasonable confidence coverage. We illustrate the proposed technique by estimating (1) the size of a moose population in Alaska and (2) the number of bat fatalities at a wind power facility, both from samples with imperfect detection probabilities, estimated independently.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Estimating population size with imperfect detection using a parametric bootstrap |
| Series title | Environmetrics |
| DOI | 10.1002/env.2603 |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Year Published | 2020 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Wiley |
| Contributing office(s) | Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center |
| Description | e2603, 11 p. |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |