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Abstract
Radiotelemetry studies of spotted owl (
Strix occidentalis) ranges and habitat-use must be designed efficiently to estimate parameters needed for a sample of individuals sufficient to describe the population. Independent data are required by analytical methods and provide the greatest return of information per effort. We examined time series of relocations and the size, shape, and composition of ranges of nine adult spotted owls in the Oregon Coast Range. Based on two methods of analysis, independent relocations were separated by 3 days in the breeding season and 2-5 days outside the breeding season. We can increase our opportunities to follow more owls by attempting to relocate individuals no more often than every other night and by rotating 2 and 3 nights per week for individuals. Under this schedule, we could obtain 130 relocations per owl annually, 115 of which would be independent. These data will be adequate, in terms of sample size and independence, to estimate home range size and habitat use by spotted owls in the Oregon Coast Range.
Citation
Carey, Andrew B.; Horton, Scott P.; Reid, Janice A. 1989. Optimal sampling for radiotelemetry studies of spotted owl habitat and home range. Res. Pap. PNW-RP-416. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 17 p
