A non-linear spotlight line transect method for estimating white-tailed deer population densities

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dc.contributor.advisorBaccus, John T.
dc.contributor.authorPierce, Brian L.
dc.contributor.committeeMemberManning, Richard W.
dc.contributor.committeeMemberSimpson, Thomas R.
dc.date.accessioned2022-10-17T13:36:06Z
dc.date.available2022-10-17T13:36:06Z
dc.date.issued2000-05
dc.description.abstractAccurate estimates of population density are a prerequisite for managing exploited white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations. Many state agencies rely upon density estimates obtained from spotlight strip transect surveys to regulate annual harvest Yet, density estimates from the standard spotlight strip transect method are known to be inaccurate in areas of dense vegetation, and alternatives such as the Hahn method, mark-recapture, or aerial strip transects are cost prohibitive for state wide surveys~ The line· transect method is an alternative which has been criticized for inaccuracy of distance estimates and the additional time required to collect perpendicular distance data. Results from a two year study of white-tailed deer in central Texas are presented to demonstrate the utility of a new spotlight line transect sampling method. The method generates accurate perpendicular distance data from non-linear transects using inexpensive GPS, GIS, and laser range finding equipment. The new spotlight line transect method is relatively fast (0.15 ± 0.05 hours/km SD), spatially accurate to within limits of the equipment used (15.2 ± 13.9 m SD), consistently obtains larger sample sizes per transect (> 50% ), and returns more information per sighting (count, composition, and spatial location) than traditional spotlight strip transect sampling method. Results indicate the new spotlight line transect method is less biased than the traditional spotlight strip transect method, more efficient in terms of cost per unit effort (hours/km), and yields spatial data (deer locations) applicable for monitoring habitat use without identification of individuals (Design 1, Thomas and Taylor 1990).
dc.description.departmentBiology
dc.formatText
dc.format.extent97 pages
dc.format.medium1 file (.pdf)
dc.identifier.citationPierce, B. L. (2000). A non-linear spotlight line transect method for estimating white-tailed deer population densities (Unpublished thesis). Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10877/16211
dc.language.isoen
dc.subjectwildlife populations
dc.subjectmammal populations
dc.subjectwildlife management
dc.subjectwhite-tailed deer
dc.titleA non-linear spotlight line transect method for estimating white-tailed deer population densities
dc.typeThesis
thesis.degree.departmentBiology
thesis.degree.grantorSouthwest Texas State University
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Science

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