Contrasting occupancy models with presence-only models: Does accounting for detection lead to better predictions?

Jha, Ashish; J, Praveen; Nameer, P. O.

doi:10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2022.110105

Cited by 8 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…The observed preference inferred from raw detection data might simply reflect a detection bias as a result of imperfect detection, although this is uncertain. Conversely, the large and overlapping confidence intervals around our occupancy estimates could suggest the study design or sample size was inadequate to determine any habitat preference using occupancy, which is typically a data-hungry analysis (Jha et al 2022). This could be due to the cryptic nature of quolls, whereby the probability of occupancy may be high, but the probability of detection is very low, resulting in imprecise estimates.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Habitat use by the endangered spotted-tailed quoll in a fragmented landscape

et al. 2022

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The spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) is an endangered mesopredator endemic to Australia. It is generally considered a forest-dependent species associated with large, intact forested habitats. In Australia’s mainland, quoll research has typically been conducted in contiguous forest, and consequently, the species’ presumed forest-dependency might reflect sampling bias rather than preferred habitat niche. Recent studies have revealed that quolls also persist in fragmented agricultural landscapes, raising questions about their true habitat requirements and preferences. In this study, we investigated quoll habitat use within a fragmented agricultural landscape in mainland Australia. We deployed 42 lured camera traps to determine quoll habitat preferences across four broad vegetation types (open grassland, grassy woodland, dry sclerophyll forest, and wet sclerophyll forest) based on quoll activity and occupancy. Quolls were detected in all vegetation types, and quoll activity indicated a preference for dry sclerophyll forest and grassy woodlands, although this preference varied depending on the time of year. Our results suggest that quoll habitat use in mainland Australia is more flexible than previously assumed, and we recommend further research on factors that may influence habitat preference such as prey availability and seasonal behavior. Understanding the factors that drive habitat use by quolls outside of contiguous forested landscapes will inform and improve conservation and management strategies to ensure critical habitat for the species is protected and retained in an increasingly fragmented landscape.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Habitat use by the endangered spotted-tailed quoll in a fragmented landscape

et al. 2022

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“…Jha et al. (2022) suggested MaxEnt might perform better than occupancy models for rare species but indicated a preference for occupancy models in species‐specific applications. Occupancy modeling can be used to describe species distribution by determining which variables best discriminate between locations where the species is present and where the species is absent (MacKenzie et al., 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Occupancy and MaxEnt models are two types of species distribution models that could advance understanding of King Rail habitat based on the presence of marsh birds, among other factors. Jha et al (2022) suggested MaxEnt might perform better than occupancy models for rare species but indicated a preference for occupancy models in species-specific applications. Occupancy modeling can be used to describe species distribution by determining which variables best discriminate between locations where the species is present and where the species is absent (MacKenzie et al, 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

King Rail (Rallus elegans) presence in the Midwestern United States is predicted by local‐scale factors and avian community

Kane,

Brewer,

Gehring

et al. 2023

Ecology and Evolution

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The King Rail (Rallus elegans) is a wetland dependent species of conservation concern. Our objective was to gain a better understanding of the breeding habitat associations of King Rails in the Midwestern United States and the relationship of this species to other obligate marsh birds using occupancy and MaxEnt models. To collect data pertaining to occupancy, we placed trail cameras at 50 random points in coastal wetlands in the western Lake Erie basin where calls of King Rails were continuously broadcast at night. Data pertaining to other marsh bird species were collected via call‐broadcast surveys and camera surveys at each sample point. For MaxEnt modeling, we obtained presence data for King Rails and other obligate marsh birds from eBird and habitat data from GIS databases. Trail cameras and call‐broadcast surveys captured 10 detections of King Rails at nine sites, an 18% naive occupancy rate. King Rail occupancy was positively related to amount of interspersion, average water depth, and percent cover of emergent vegetation at local scales within a 5‐m radius. Our MaxEnt models indicated that, at a broader scale, the presence of other rail species such as the Sora (Porzana carolina) may be more important for predicting King Rail presence than other marsh birds or coarse wetland categories such as “emergent vegetation.” Our results could help wetland managers to predict where King Rails occur and to adapt management plans to incorporate King Rail conservation.

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