Do sampling methods differ in their utility for ecological monitoring? Comparison of line-point intercept, grid-point intercept, and ocular estimate methods

Authors: GODINEZ-ALVAREZ, HECTOR - UNIV. NAC AUTO DE MEXICO; Herrick, Jeffrey - Jeff; MATTOCKS, MITCHELLE - NEW MEXICO STATE UNIV; Toledo, David; Van Zee, Justin

Submitted to: Ecological Society of America Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/15/2008
Publication Date: 8/3/2008
Citation: Godinez-Alvarez, H., Herrick, J.E., Mattocks, M., Toledo, D.N., Van Zee, J.W. 2008. Do sampling methods differ in their utility for ecological monitoring? Comparison of line-point intercept, grid-point intercept, and ocular estimate methods [abstract]. Ecological Society of America Abstracts. Paper No. PS 83-125.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This study compared the utility of three sampling methods for ecological monitoring based on: interchangeability of data (rank correlations), precision (coefficient of variation), cost (minutes/transect), and potential of each method to generate multiple indicators. Species richness and foliar cover by species were measured for each method on four transects (70 m) in 15 sites (three in each of five plant communities) in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. Randomized species accumulation curves and rank correlations of the three methods were conducted with these data.