workshop Modeling Patterns and Dynamics of Species Occurrence

[Melanie Colón]

Modeling Patterns and Dynamics of Species Occurrence
The Modeling Patterns and Dynamics of Species Occurrence Workshop will be held at the Swiftel Center in Brookings, SD, 16-20 March 2015.
NOTE: The workshop is strictly limited to a set number of registrants.
OVERVIEW
The presence or absence of a species across a set of landscape units is a fundamental concept widely used in ecology (e.g., species range or distribution, epidemiology, habitat modeling, resource selection probability functions, as a monitoring metric, metapopulation studies, biodiversity, and species co-occurrence). An important sampling issue, however, is that a species may not always be detected when present at a landscape unit. This will result in "false absences" causing parameter estimates to be biased if unaccounted for, possibly leading to misleading results and conclusions, even with moderate levels of imperfect detection.
This workshop will cover many of the latest methods for modeling patterns of dynamics of species occurrence in a landscape while accounting for the imperfect detection of the species. Participants will be introduced to available software through worked examples, and there will be special emphasis on aspects of study design. While primarily aimed at the beginner and intermediate level, more experienced researchers will also benefit from attending. Topics to be covered include:
single season occupancy models for patterns in species occurrence
building predictive models for species occurrence
creating maps of species occurrence probabilities, e.g., species distribution maps
multiple-season occupancy models for dynamics of species occurrence and changes in distribution
important study design considerations
sample size determination

FORMAT
Format for the workshop will be a combination of lectures and exercises. The workshop will start on Monday morning, 8:30 AM, and at 8:00 AM Tuesday-Friday. The workshop will end at noon on Friday.
South Dakota State University graduate students wishing to receive credit for the workshop also will need to register for WL792 Tp-Occupancy Modeling (3 credits) for the spring 2015 term. This is a written consent course, so students will need to obtain a signed Registration Authorization form from Dr. Grovenburg.
INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Darryl MacKenzie, Proteus Consulting Ltd.

Darryl is an internationally renowned biometrician, particularly for his work on the development and application of species occurrence models. He has over 15 years experience in applying statistical techniques to ecological and environmental situations, starting at the University of Otago, then progressing to North Carolina State University (based at USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center) in 2000, before commencing full-time with Proteus in 2001. Darryl has provided advice on studies for a wide-range of species and enjoys the challenge of combining the statistical theory with the practical realties to develop a pragmatic solution.

AGENDA
A tentative agenda can be found in the Quick Links box above. Please note that this is a tentative schedule only.
COST
Registration cost for the 5-day workshop is $850. This fee includes course materials, facilities for the workshop, and morning and afternoon refreshments. All other costs (i.e., travel, lodging, meals, etc.) will be the responsibility of the workshop participant.
REGISTRATION
Please complete the registration form (available in the Quick Links box above) and forward with payment to:
Dr. Troy Grovenburg
Department of Natural Resource Management
South Dakota State University
Box 2140B, NPS 138
Brookings, SD 57007
Completed registration forms paying with credit card can be emailed to Dr. Troy Grovenburg.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
We have arranged for a block of rooms at state rates at the Fairfield Inn &Suites under SDSU Dept. of Natural Resources.

http://www.sdstate.edu/nrm/organizations/gpnss


Fairfield Inn &Suites

3000 LeFevre Drive
Brookings, SD 57006
605-692-3500