I am using triangulation and bioacoustics using fixed point counts triangulation surveys. My study site is around 7000 km^2. What surface area should I cover for my research to representative of the entire study area and to be able to meet the minimum able size requirement.
At least 5% cover and at least sample size of n = 30 to fulfil the CLT :)
The surface area you need to cover in your research to be representative of the entire study area and meet the minimum sample size requirements depends on several factors, including the distribution and abundance of the species you are studying, as well as the precision and accuracy of your triangulation and bioacoustics methods.
In general, a larger sample size will provide more accurate results, but the size of the sample will also depend on the distribution and abundance of the species you are studying. If the species is rare or patchily distributed, you may need to cover a larger area to obtain a representative sample.
Additionally, the precision of your survey method will also affect how much area you need to cover. If your survey method is less precise, you may need to cover a larger area to obtain accurate results.
It is also important to consider that the sample size should be large enough to meet the minimum able size requirement for your research. The minimum able size requirement will depend on the specific research question and the study design, and it is recommended to consult the literature and experts in the field for guidance on appropriate sample sizes.
In summary, the surface area you need to cover will depend on the distribution and abundance of the species, the precision and accuracy of your methods, and the minimum able size requirement for your research. It is recommended to consult the literature and experts in the field for guidance on appropriate sample sizes and survey design.
Hello Jorian; Ahmad's response is thorough and is sensitive to the complexity of your question.
1. How large is the home range of your species of interest? Do the sexes differ regarding this trait?
2. How widespread is the species' preferred habitat within the study area?
3. How expensive will it be to install one more sampling site?
Questions like these will influence your decision.
Best regards, Jim Des Lauriers
Thank you Ahmad Al Khraisat and James Des Lauriers. The question is complicated as I intend to study a primate where very little is known about. But theme range is around 50 ha.
Jorian; This is getting complicated! Does a single bioacoustic signal that you detect represent a single individual or a troop? How big is the average troop? Is the 7000 km2 of habitat to be sampled uniform...probably not...and so some idea about habitat preferences would be wise.
If you have no information about habitat preferences then sampling the entire region with an eye to placing sufficient numbers of sampling sites in each habitat type is called for. So, the number of needed samples just went up. Gathering some preliminary data seems to be a good idea so that some of these initial questions can be answered. Best, Jim Des Lauriers
HI James Des Lauriers yeah, it does get complicated because not much is known. Im looking at territorial primates, so it does make sampling I easier assume, but I agree that sampling as large as an area is best option here. Thank for your reply and help!
Atleast 5 percentage of population shall be taken as sample size.
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