Occupancy workshop, PWRC, Aug. 2006

Modeling Patterns and Dynamics of Species Occurrence

1-3 November 2006, Portland, Oregon, USA

Darryl MacKenzie, Proteus Wildlife Research Consultants
Larissa Bailey, Jim Hines, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

The presence or absence of a species across a set of landscape units is a fundamental concept used widely in ecology (e.g., as a monitoring metric, species range or distribution, habitat modelling, resource selection probability functions, metapopulation studies, biodiversity and species co-occurrence). An important sampling issue, however, is that a species may not always be detected when present at a landscape unit. This will result in "false absences" causing parameter estimates to be biased if unaccounted for, possibly leading to misleading results and conclusions, even with moderate levels of imperfect detection.

In this 3-day workshop we shall cover,

the effect of, and the importance of accounting for, imperfect detection
cutting-edge statistical methods for modellng patterns and dynamics of species occurrence
using models to address interesting ecological hypotheses
key aspects to designing studies of species occurrence
available computer software with worked examples and exercises

There are no formal prerequisites for this course, but participants are expected to have a basic understanding of probability (e.g., coin tossing experiments). Experience with regression, logistic regression and generalized linear models would be particularly beneficial. While aimed primarily at the beginner and intermediate level, researchers of all experience levels are encouraged to attend.

The workshop fee is US$550 which covers registration, morning and afternoon refreshments. Registration will close Ocotober 18, 2006 and class size is limited, so register right away. Accommodation and meals are not covered in the workshop fee. While full workshop notes will be provided, the recently published book 'Occupancy estimation and modeling: inferring patterns and dynamics of species occurrence' will be regularly referred to during the workshop and it is suggested that participants bring along a copy of this book.

Note: participants must bring their own laptop for the course which is capable of running Windows-based software. Registration can be made via the Bat Conservation International website. For general inquires about the content of the workshop please email Darryl. Registrants will receive workshop details via email prior to the workshops.