Aerial survey estimates of fallow deer abundance
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Abstract
Reliable estimates of the distribution and abundance of an ungulate species is essential prior to establishing and implementing a management program. We used ground surveys to determine distribution and ground and aerial surveys and individually marked deer to estimate the abundance of fallow deer (Dama dama) in north-coastal California. Fallow deer had limited distribution and heterogeneous densities. Estimated post-rut densities across 4 annual surveys ranged from a low of 1.4 (SE=0.2) deer/km2 to a high of 3.3 (se=0.5) deer/km2 in a low density stratum and from 49.0 (SE=8.3) deer/km2 to 111.6 deer/km2 in a high density stratum. Sightability was positively influenced by the presence of white color-phase deer in a group and group size, and varied between airial and ground-based observers and by density strata. Our findings underscore the utility of double-observer surveys and aerial surveys with individually marked deer, both incorporating covariates to model sightability, to estimate deer abundance.
Suggested Citation
Gogan, P.J., Gates, N.B., Lubow, B., Pettit, S., 2012, Aerial survey estimates of fallow deer abundance: California Fish and Game, v. 98, no. 3, p. 135-147.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Aerial survey estimates of fallow deer abundance |
| Series title | California Fish and Game |
| Volume | 98 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Year Published | 2012 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | State of California |
| Contributing office(s) | Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center |
| Description | 13 p. |
| First page | 135 |
| Last page | 147 |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Marin County |
| Other Geospatial | Point Reyes |
| Online Only (Y/N) | N |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |