Assessing accuracy of a laser rangefinder in estimating grassland bird density Academic Article

abstract

• The use of rangefinders in measuring perpendicular distances for density estimation has potential time-saving advantages in sampling avian populations. However, an important assumption in distance methods is accurate measurement of perpendicular distances. We compared a laser rangefinder to conventional measuring tape in measuring perpendicular distances for the purpose of estimating grassland bird density on Texas rangelands. Distances determined with a measuring tape were highly correlated with distances obtained using a laser rangefinder (r=0.98). The regression of rangefinder distances on tape-measured distances was significant (r2=0.963, P<0.001), and the slope of the regression (1.005, SE=0.007) line did not differ from 1 (P=0.226). Examination of standardized residuals indicated that the variance about the regression line was constant at distances 100 m.

authors

• Pinchak, William

published proceedings

• WILDLIFE SOCIETY BULLETIN

author list (cited authors)

• Ransom, D., & Pinchak, W. E.

complete list of authors

• Ransom, D||Pinchak, WE

publication date

• June 2003

published in

• Wildlife Society Bulletin: perspectives on wildlife conservation and sustainable use  Journal

keywords

• Grassland Birds
• Line Transect
• Perpendicular Distance
• Rangefinder

start page

• 460

end page

• 463

volume

• 31

issue

• 2