Date of Award:

5-1976

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Wildland Resources

Department name when degree awarded

Wildlife Science

Committee Chair(s)

Jessop B. Low

Committee

Jessop B. Low

Committee

John Nagel

Committee

Albert Regenthal

Committee

Noland Nelson

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to evaluate effectiveness of aerial photography as a waterfowl census technique. An aerial photographic pattern was formulated and tested during the spring and fall months of 1971 and 1972 at Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area, Weber County, Utah. The reliability and feasibility of the technique for censusing waterfowl proved effective and practical.

Eight flights per season, 4 routes per flight, and 30 photos per route taken over unit 1 of the Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area was the experimental design or pattern for the study. The level of accuracy and the cost involved with this design was:

Spring 1971 27% sampling error cost $566.90

Spring 1972 33% sampling error cost $566.90

Fall 1971 30% sampling error cost $566.90

Fall 1972 17% sampling error cost $566.90

The effectiveness of other patterns were calculated using different intensities of flights, routes and photos. The patterns of flights, routes, photos, and costs calculated to achieve reliable and feasible estimates of waterfowl numbers at an acceptable sampling error of 21% or less at the 95% confidence level, calculated in tabular form, would have varied per season from 6 flights, 4 routes, and 5 photos to 16 flights, 6 routes, and 35 photos; costing from $220.00 to $1,550.00.

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