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Line transect sampling of Karner blue butterflies ( Lycaeides melissa samuelis)

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Abstract

Line transect sampling is an effective survey method for estimating butterfly densities because it provides unbiased estimates of site-density (provided key assumptions are met), and estimates are comparable among sites. For monitoring Karner blue butterflies in Wisconsin, USA, comparable estimates are required because each year a different selection of sites will be monitored. Annual state-wide indices of species abundance can be derived from the site-surveys and compared to previous year's indices to monitor trends. We advocate that line transect sampling is preferable to Pollard-Yates transects as a survey technique for monitoring Karner blue butter- flies. The Pollard-Yates surveys do not adjust for diferences in site detectability. As a consequence, estimates of among-site from Pollard-Yates surveys can be biased. © Rapid Science 1998

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Statistics, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand

    J. A. Brown

  2. College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, WI, 54481, USA

    M. S. Boyce

Authors
  1. J. A. Brown
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  2. M. S. Boyce
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Brown, J.A., Boyce, M.S. Line transect sampling of Karner blue butterflies ( Lycaeides melissa samuelis). Environmental and Ecological Statistics 5, 81–91 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009620105039

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009620105039

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