Methodological Comparison of Canada Lynx Density Estimation

• Author / Creator

  Doran-Myers, Darcy

• Reliable population density estimates are critical for ecological research and species management but can be difficult to obtain. Sampling methods like noninvasive genetic sampling and remote camera traps, combined with appropriate statistical models, provide opportunities to estimate density from a variety of approaches. However, it is unknown if these methods result in similar density estimates and precision of estimates. I applied and compared methods for estimating Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) density for a cyclic population in southwestern Yukon Territory. Canada lynx are a species of ecological, economic, and conservation interest, but few studies have estimated density of lynx and even fewer have used contemporary methods. I collected lynx data using hair snares, camera traps, track transect counts, and GPS collars, then applied and compared density estimation methods across data types. Estimation methods included linearly-scaled count methods, spatial mark-recapture, spatial mark-resight, and a cumulative time method. I calculated six estimates and found five-fold variation in point estimates and two-fold variation in precision, despite closely following the methods described in current literature and making every effort to meet model assumptions. My results indicate that a single approach to wildlife density estimation is likely insufficient, and that density estimation requires careful consideration of methodological assumptions and sources of error.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • density
  • Lynx canadensis
  • methodology
  • boreal

• Graduation date

  Fall 2018

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3Q815805

• License

  Permission is hereby granted to the University of Alberta Libraries to reproduce single copies of this thesis and to lend or sell such copies for private, scholarly or scientific research purposes only. Where the thesis is converted to, or otherwise made available in digital form, the University of Alberta will advise potential users of the thesis of these terms. The author reserves all other publication and other rights in association with the copyright in the thesis and, except as herein before provided, neither the thesis nor any substantial portion thereof may be printed or otherwise reproduced in any material form whatsoever without the author's prior written permission.