A Simple, Quantitative Determination of the Appropriate Duration of Site Closure to Improve Occupancy Modelling for Nomadic Species

• DOI: 10.1111/ddi.70011
• Publication Date: 2025-03-11T12:06:29Z
• Authors: Garrett Erickson‐...; Connor M. Wood; Kristin M. Brunk
• Keywords: Occupancy; Closure (psychology)

ABSTRACT Aim Occupancy models are ubiquitous in ecological and biogeographical applications, but they rely upon an assumption of site closure that is sometimes applied across many weeks or even months. Nomadic species challenge this approach because likely to exhibit within‐season movements violate the closure. Assuming for nomadic a full season results depressed estimates detection probability inflated occupancy can obscure important habitat associations. However, selecting appropriate duration over which assume also be challenge, especially with continuous survey methods, like acoustic surveys camera traps, where ‘surveys’ ‘seasons’ ambiguous. Innovation We present simple framework quantitatively assessing most by directly comparing differing lengths. demonstrate our using simulated data, as well passive monitoring dataset bird, Clark's nutcracker, collected during one summer 25,000 km 2 Sierra Nevada, California. dynamic data single calendar optimise nutcracker. Main Conclusions used method select simulations indicated robust under variety scenarios. Our empirical suggest determining enable more accurate understanding population dynamics use species, when conducted emerging continuous, near‐continuous technologies. relatively improve modelling other will ultimately efficacy conservation measures taken protect these species.