Population abundance estimates in conservation and biodiversity research

Trends Ecol Evol. 2024 Feb 23:S0169-5347(24)00037-5. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2024.01.012. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTMeasuring and tracking biodiversity from local to global scales is challenging due to its multifaceted nature and the range of metrics used to describe spatial and temporal patterns. Abundance can be used to describe how a population changes across space and time, but it can be measured in different ways, with consequences for the interpretation and communication of spatiotemporal patterns. We differentiate between relative and absolute abundance, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each for biodiversity monitoring, conservation, and ecological research. We highlight when absolute abundance can be advantageous and should be prioritized in biodiversity monitoring and research, and conclude by providing avenues for future research directions to better assess the necessity of absolute abundance in biodiversity monitoring.PMID:38508923 | DOI:10.1016/j.tree.2024.01.012

Source: Trends in Ecology and Evolution - March 20, 2024 Category: Science Authors: Corey T Callaghan Luca Santini Rebecca Spake Diana E Bowler Source Type: research