Modelling the distribution and relative abundance of feral camels in the Northern Territory using count data
S. R. McLeod A C and A. R. Pople BA Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Industry & Investment New South Wales – Primary Industries, Orange Agricultural Institute, Forest Road, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia.
B Biosecurity Queensland, Primary Industries and Fisheries, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Alan Fletcher Research Station, PO Box 36, Sherwood, Qld 4075, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: steven.mcleod@industry.nsw.gov.au
The Rangeland Journal 32(1) 21-32 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ09057
Submitted: 18 August 2009 Accepted: 17 December 2009 Published: 23 March 2010
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to predict the potential distribution, relative abundance and probability of habitat use by feral camels in southern Northern Territory. Aerial survey data were used to model habitat association. The characteristics of ‘used’ (where camels were observed) v. ‘unused’ (pseudo-absence) sites were compared. Habitat association and abundance were modelled using generalised additive model (GAM) methods. The models predicted habitat suitability and the relative abundance of camels in southern Northern Territory. The habitat suitability maps derived in the present study indicate that camels have suitable habitat in most areas of southern Northern Territory. The index of abundance model identified areas of relatively high camel abundance. Identifying preferred habitats and areas of high abundance can help focus control efforts.
Additional keywords: generalised additive model, habitat suitability, presence-only, pseudo-absence, resource selection function, habitat suitability, zero-inflated.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Glenn Edwards, Keith Saalfeld, Kathy McConnell and Peter West for providing data and Peter Whitehead for providing comments on a draft. The work reported in this publication is supported by funding from the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust through the Desert Knowledge CRC; the views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government or the Desert Knowledge CRC or its participants.
Allen J. R.,
McInenly L. E.,
Merrill E. H., Boyce M. S.
(2008) Using resource selection functions to improve estimation of elk population numbers. Journal of Wildlife Management 72, 1798–1804.
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