GenEst user guide—Software for a generalized estimator of mortality
Techniques and Methods
7-C19
Prepared in cooperation with Bureau of Land Management and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Links
- Document: Report (3.7 MB pdf)
- Related Work: Techniques and Methods 7-A2 — GenEst Statistical Models—A Generalized Estimator of Mortality
- Data Release: USGS data release — Generalized Mortality Estimator (GenEst) - R code & GUI
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
GenEst (Generalized Estimator) is a software tool for estimating the total number of individuals arriving in an area during a specific time period when their detection probability is unknown but estimable. Its development was motivated by the need to accurately estimate the total number of bird and bat fatalities occurring at wind and solar energy facilities, but it is applicable in a variety of other contexts as well. Simple counts of carcasses are not an accurate measure of the true number of fatalities because some carcasses are inevitably missed in carcass searches. Furthermore, simple carcass counts do not allow comparison among locations or years because carcasses may be detected at different rates. This software uses data collected during carcass searches and estimates of detection rates to accurately estimate the number of fatalities and to provide a measure of precision associated with the estimate. These estimates are fundamental to understanding acute and cumulative effects of renewable energy development on wildlife populations. The software package is available with a user-friendly graphic interface as well as a flexible and powerful command-line implementation. GenEst includes tools for estimating searcher efficiency, carcass persistence, and other detection probability parameters from experimental field trials. Included in the software are example datasets for analyses, standard R package help files, this user guide, and vignettes detailing use at the command-line.
Suggested Citation
Simonis, J., Dalthorp, D., Huso, M., Mintz, J., Madsen, L., Rabie, P., and Studyvin, J., 2018, GenEst user guide—Software for a generalized estimator of mortality: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 7, chap. C19, 72 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/tm7C19.
ISSN: 2328-7055 (online)
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Data Input
- Analyses
- Worked Examples
- Acknowledgments
- References Cited
- Appendix
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | GenEst user guide—Software for a generalized estimator of mortality |
| Series title | Techniques and Methods |
| Series number | 7-C19 |
| DOI | 10.3133/tm7C19 |
| Year Published | 2018 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center |
| Description | Report: viii, 72 p.; Data Release |
| Larger Work Type | Report |
| Larger Work Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Larger Work Title | Section C: Computer programs in Book 7: Automated data processing and computations |
| Public Comments | This report is Chapter 19 of Section C: Computer programs in Book 7: Automated data processing and computations. |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |