Random encounter model for animal density estimation from acoustic monitors

What is it about?

The random encounter model provides an equation that relates animal density to camera trapping rate, but is applicable only to visual sensors with narrow angles of detection. In principle a similar approach can be used with acoustic detectors, but in this case, the signals and detectors have properties that require a different equation. This paper develops a set of random encounter model equations that can be applied to any combination of sensor and signal detection angle.

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Why is it important?

These results provide the theoretical basis for estimating animal abundance from acoustic sensor data. We need additional development of methods for estimating animal speeds and detection parameters, but the availability of the method provide a spur for work on these issues.