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Mixture models for distance sampling detection functions

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miller2015pone0118726.pdf (467.6Kb)
Date
20/03/2015
Author
Miller, David Lawrence
Thomas, Len
Keywords
QA Mathematics
QH301 Biology
DAS
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Abstract
We present a new class of models for the detection function in distance sampling surveys of wildlife populations, based on finite mixtures of simple parametric key functions such as the half-normal. The models share many of the features of the widely-used “key function plus series adjustment” (K+A) formulation: they are flexible, produce plausible shapes with a small number of parameters, allow incorporation of covariates in addition to distance and can be fitted using maximum likelihood. One important advantage over the K+A approach is that the mixtures are automatically monotonic non-increasing and non-negative, so constrained optimization is not required to ensure distance sampling assumptions are honoured. We compare the mixture formulation to the K+A approach using simulations to evaluate its applicability in a wide set of challenging situations. We also re-analyze four previously problematic real-world case studies. We find mixtures outperform K+A methods in many cases, particularly spiked line transect data (i.e., where detectability drops rapidly at small distances) and larger sample sizes. We recommend that current standard model selection methods for distance sampling detection functions are extended to include mixture models in the candidate set.
Citation
Miller , D L & Thomas , L 2015 , ' Mixture models for distance sampling detection functions ' , PLoS One , vol. 10 , no. 3 , e0118726 . https://doi.org/10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0118726
Publication
PLoS One
Status
Peer reviewed
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0118726
ISSN
1932-6203
Type
Journal article
Rights
Copyright: © 2015 Miller, Thomas. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Description
Funding: EPSRC DTG
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  • University of St Andrews Research
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10023/6463

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