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Evaluation of statistical methods and sampling designs for the assessment of microhabitat selection based on point data
Author(s) -
Gorosito Irene L.,
Marziali Bermúdez Mariano,
Douglass Richard J.,
Busch María
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
methods in ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.425
H-Index - 105
ISSN - 2041-210X
DOI - 10.1111/2041-210x.12605
Subject(s) - univariate , statistics , selection (genetic algorithm) , sampling (signal processing) , generalized linear mixed model , generalized linear model , statistical model , occupancy , sampling design , computer science , ecology , multivariate statistics , mathematics , machine learning , biology , population , demography , filter (signal processing) , sociology , computer vision
Summary Information on resource selection by a species is essential for understanding the species’ ecology, distribution and requirements for survival. Research on habitat selection frequently relies on animal detection at point locations to determine which resource units are used. A variety of approaches and statistical tools can be employed for assessing selection based on habitat variables measured in those units. The aim of this work was to evaluate the reliability of common sampling designs and statistical methods in detecting habitat selection at fine scales based on point data We reviewed literature on microhabitat selection to determine characteristics of typical studies and analysed simulated small‐mammal live‐trapping data as a case study. We considered various scenarios differing in the number of sampled units and sampling duration. For each scenario, a set of simulated surveys was analysed through two univariate tests (Welch's t ‐ and Mann–Whitney U ‐test), generalized linear models ( GLM s), mixed‐effect models ( GLMM s) and occupancy models ( OM s). Analysis of simulated data revealed that overall performance of all statistical methods improved with increased trapping effort. Univariate tests were especially sensitive to the number of sampling units, while modelling methods took also advantage of longer trapping sessions. Univariate tests and GLM s provided partially correct information in most cases, whereas GLMM s and OM s offered higher probabilities of fully describing simulated habitat preferences. With typical sampling efforts, appropriate statistical analysis of point data is able to provide a moderately accurate description of habitat selection at small scales, in spite of the violation of closure and independence assumptions of applied models. Modelling approaches are proliferating; we encourage using models that can deal with multiple sources of variability, such as GLMM s and OM s, when data are hierarchically structured. There is no a priori best survey design; it should be chosen according to the scope and goals of the study, environment heterogeneity, species characteristics and practical constraints. Researchers should realize that sampling design and statistical methods likely affect conclusions regarding habitat selection.