Use, misuse, and ambiguity of indices of residence in acoustic telemetry studies

Appert, Collette, Udyawer, Vinay, Simpfendorfer, Colin A., Heupel, Michelle R., Scott, Molly, Currey-Randall, Leanne M., Harborne, Alastair R., Jaine, Fabrice, and Chin, Andrew (2023) Use, misuse, and ambiguity of indices of residence in acoustic telemetry studies. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 714. pp. 27-44.

[img] PDF (Published Version) - Published Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14300
 
1


Abstract

Habitat associations and preferences of animals can be inferred from how long they remain within close proximity to a certain location. The residency index (RI) is a common metric used in acoustic telemetry studies to assess how long an individual spends in an area. However, the methods used to calculate RI can affect the interpretation of telemetry results. The index has been used under different names and with different equations and definitions. This review of 72 publications highlights that RI has been defined using 2 main equations: RIA, which divides the number of days detected by days at liberty; and RIB, which divides the number of days detected by the monitoring period. We present a case study using long-term acoustic telemetry data from 244 individuals of 8 species collected in Queensland, Australia, to assess how the definition of RI affects ecological interpretation. Over 3 million detections from Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, C. melanopterus, Galeocerdo cuvier, Hemigaleus australiensis, Lethrinus miniatus, L. nebulosus, Lutjanus sebae, and Plectropomus leopardus were analysed to evaluate how the 2 main RI equations differ in the results they provide and their possible interpretation. The 2 equations yielded significantly different RIs for some species and individuals. This was primarily driven by variation in behavioural ecology. Either equation can be useful depending on the aim of the study. However, we propose using both equations in combination to better identify detection patterns and strongly recommend future studies clearly define the equation to enable comparisons and appropriate interpretation of results.

Item ID: 82768
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1616-1599
Copyright Information: © Inter-Research 2023.
Funders: Australian Research Council (ARC)
Projects and Grants: ARC Future Fellowship #FT100101004
Date Deposited: 15 May 2024 01:36
FoR Codes: 31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310305 Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) @ 50%
41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410401 Conservation and biodiversity @ 50%
SEO Codes: 18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180502 Assessment and management of pelagic marine ecosystems @ 100%
Downloads: Total: 1
Last 12 Months: 1
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page