Key concepts: Detectability
Non-detection is not the same as absence
If we don’t estimate detectability, we are implicitly assuming that it is either certain, or constant across all our surveys
🤔 Reflection: Detectability in the context of your work
Think about your own field work
Consider:
- The environment that you work in
- The behaviour and ecology of the species and its predators and prey
- The people who collect the data
- Any limitations of time, equipment, climate, terrain etc
💬 Discussion: What limits detectability?
Building on your reflection above, share your answer to these questions in our discussion area:
- In your experience, what factors might influence the ability to detect a particular species at different distances from the transect line?
- Do these factors vary across time, space or between field staff?
If you don’t have relevant field experience, refer to one of the papers you’ve read for ideas
Respond to at least one other person, either recognising similarities or differences in your experiences, or suggesting ways in which they might improve detection