You will find that the method you use will be dependent on the question you are asking. If this is an inventory, then presence absence data or presence only data can be used to model occupancy using the programs presence or mark. However, if you are in need of abundance info as well, to some degree occupancy can give you this, however, you can also use relative abundance. The fact that the amphibians live in the leaf litter should not make any difference. There is an excellent publication by Smithsonian Instution Press called Standard Methods for Inventory and Monitoring of Amphibians. Its a pretty good, although already dated in some areas, reference. Generally, you can use quadrat sampling, linear transects, etc., or even combos of these. pitfalls, drift fence arrays, and cover boards are also very useful.
There are many good references out there, you just need to dig into the literature on amphibians and reptiles. Also, to some degree insect methods may be useful. Malcolm McCallum Department Molecular Biology and Biochemistry University of Missouri Kansas City Managing Editor, Herpetological Conservation and Biology On Sun, Oct 23, 2011 at 10:17 AM, Eric Flores <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi all > > Would like to receive your advice related to the best method to assess > amphibians in order to have a population estimate. > A friend suggested me to use DISTANCE but some reference indicates this is > not the best method when applied to amphibians that dwell on the leaf litter. > > Thanks > > Eric Flores > -- Malcolm L. McCallum Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry School of Biological Sciences University of Missouri at Kansas City Managing Editor, Herpetological Conservation and Biology "Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive" - Allan Nation 1880's: "There's lots of good fish in the sea" W.S. Gilbert 1990's: Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution. 2000: Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction MAY help restore populations. 2022: Soylent Green is People! The Seven Blunders of the World (Mohandas Gandhi) Wealth w/o work Pleasure w/o conscience Knowledge w/o character Commerce w/o morality Science w/o humanity Worship w/o sacrifice Politics w/o principle Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
