nsf_easpi_2015_fournier_full_proposal.1.pdf (440.84 kB)
Timing is everything: Identifying peak Rallidae call rate in southeast Australia
Effective monitoring is key to understanding the habitat needs, population
trends and ecology of any species. For species with low detection probability understanding the
optimum time to survey to maximize detection is crucial. In addition to maximizing efficiency,
surveying only during times of peak detectability yields more accurate information by
minimizing false absences. Members of the avian family Rallidae are elusive in nature and as a
result poorly studied. Automated recording unit surveys will be used across the breeding season
to determine the optimal times of day, and periods of the lunar cycle where detection is highest.
This will form vital groundwork for a monitoring protocol and inform for future research and
conservation efforts. Four southeast Australasian Rallidae species have been selected to assess
the generalizability of the findings.
trends and ecology of any species. For species with low detection probability understanding the
optimum time to survey to maximize detection is crucial. In addition to maximizing efficiency,
surveying only during times of peak detectability yields more accurate information by
minimizing false absences. Members of the avian family Rallidae are elusive in nature and as a
result poorly studied. Automated recording unit surveys will be used across the breeding season
to determine the optimal times of day, and periods of the lunar cycle where detection is highest.
This will form vital groundwork for a monitoring protocol and inform for future research and
conservation efforts. Four southeast Australasian Rallidae species have been selected to assess
the generalizability of the findings.