Using Occupancy Models to Examine Human–Wildlife Interactions
2013
Waldron, Jayme L. | Welch, Shane M. | Holloway, John | Mousseau, Timothy A.
Occupancy models provide a structural template for modeling spatial and temporal components of human–wildlife interactions in which outcomes are contingent on both human–wildlife co-occurrence and encounter probability. Because human–rattlesnake interactions are often contingent on post-encounter, human-initiated contact, we categorized these interactions into discrete components: co-occurrence of rattlesnakes and humans, and the probability that a human detects the rattlesnake. We used occupancy models to examine correlates of human–rattlesnake co-occurrence and assumed human–rattlesnake encounter probability was synonymous with detection probability. Occupancy (i.e., proportion of sites occupied) was associated with rattlesnake habitat preference, and encounter probability was influenced by air temperature. Our results indicate that covariates associated with rattlesnake activity (e.g., air temperature) were the best predictors of encounters. This article illustrates the use of occupancy models for identifying spatial and temporal drivers of human–wildlife interactions. Our results will aid management actions and policies that maximize human safety and rattlesnake conservation.
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