Modelling detectability of kiore (Rattus exulans) on Aguiguan, Mariana Islands, to inform possible eradication and monitoring efforts

Product Type: Journal Article

Year: 2011

Author(s): Yackel Adams, A.A., J.W. Stanford, A.S. Wiewel, and G.H. Rodda

Suggested Citation:
Yackel Adams, A.A., J.W. Stanford, A.S. Wiewel, and G.H. Rodda. 2011. Modelling detectability of kiore (Rattus exulans) on Aguiguan, Mariana Islands, to inform possible eradication and monitoring efforts. New Zealand Journal of Ecology 35(2): 145–152.

Abstract

Estimating the detection probability of introduced organisms during the pre-monitoring phase of an eradication effort can be extremely helpful in informing eradication and post-eradication monitoring efforts, but this step is rarely taken. We used data collected during 11 nights of mark-recapture sampling on Aguiguan, Mariana Islands, to estimate introduced kiore (Rattus exulans Peale) density and detection probability, and evaluated factors affecting detectability to help inform possible eradication efforts. Modelling of 62 captures of 48 individuals resulted in a model-averaged density estimate of 55 kiore/ha...