Distance Sampling
Issued by
Unity College
Students will learn field data collection techniques, assumptions, and challenges to generating population estimates of wildlife using distance sampling. They interact with the Virtual Forest Simulation to practice field components of distance sampling and participate in two discussions on challenges and assumptions of this technique and its current uses in the wildlife discipline. Successful learners will be capable of collecting field data for this approach.
- Type Validation
- Level Foundational
- Time Weeks
- Cost Paid
Skills
Earning Criteria
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Students will evaluate the impact of detectability on population estimates and explore the challenges created by animal and observer behavior and environmental complexity on estimating populations of unmarked animals. By earning a score of 80% or higher, students demonstrate a basic understanding of the challenges in effectively performing distance sampling in the field.
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Students will practice distance and angle estimation and discuss the impact of violation of assumptions of distance sampling that occur from field practices on the resulting population estimates. By earning a score of 80% or higher, students will demonstrate an understanding of the field basics of this method, as well as the results of their practice of the key field aspects of this method.