Modelling the distribution and relative abundance of feral camels in the Northern Territory using count data

• Published in: The Rangeland journal Vol. 32; no. 1; pp. 21 - 32
• Main Authors: McLeod, S.R, Pople, A.R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Collingwood, Victoria: CSIRO Publishing 01.01.2010
• Subjects: camels; data analysis; feral animals; generalized additive models; habitat preferences; habitat suitability; population distribution; population size; prediction; resource selection function; wildlife habitats; wildlife management; zero inflated count data; Northern Territory
• DOI: 10.1071/RJ09057
• ISSN: 1036-9872

The objectives of this study were to predict the potential distribution, relative abundance and probability of habitat use by feral camels in southern Northern Territory. Aerial survey data were used to model habitat association. The characteristics of 'used' (where camels were observed) v. 'unused' (pseudo-absence) sites were compared. Habitat association and abundance were modelled using generalised additive model (GAM) methods. The models predicted habitat suitability and the relative abundance of camels in southern Northern Territory. The habitat suitability maps derived in the present study indicate that camels have suitable habitat in most areas of southern Northern Territory. The index of abundance model identified areas of relatively high camel abundance. Identifying preferred habitats and areas of high abundance can help focus control efforts.