| As part of the Central East Slopes Elk Study (CESES), this project was meant to provide meaningful elk population estimates to enhance current wildlife management. Using radio collared elk, a sightability model was developed to correct for elk missed during aerial surveys. During trials, if a radio collared elk was observed, 11 factors were recorded: light intensity, aspect, activity, topography, percent vegetation screening, vegetation class, percent snow cover, elk group size precipitation, temperature and observer experience. If the elk was not observed, the survey crew used telemetry receivers to locate the elk and record the same factors. A logistic regression approach was used to develop a correction based on environmental factors that affected sightability. Significant variables affecting sightability were, elk group size, percent vegetation screening, elk activity, percent snow cover and light intensity. Survey design can also increase precision of population estimates. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
