Acceptability of the Kalman filter to monitor pronghorn population size

Abstract

Pronghorn antelope are important components of grassland and steppe ecosystems in Wyoming. Monitoring data on the size and population dynamics of these herds are expensive and gathered only a few times each year. Reliable data include estimates of animals harvested and proportion of bucks, does, and fawns. A deterministic simulation model has been used to improve estimates of population size. Expert judgement is employed for initial estimates of natural mortality; adjustments are made until the simulation satisfactorily agrees with field data.

Citation

Czaplewski, Raymond L. 1986. Acceptability of the Kalman filter to monitor pronghorn population size. Fort Collins, CO: Colorado State University. 110p. Dissertation.