Design of occupancy studies with imperfect detection

1. Occupancy is an important concept in ecology. To obtain an unbiased estimator of occupancy it

at the sites being sampled. As the allocation of total effort can be done in different ways, occupancy

2. In this paper we address the design of single-season single-species occupancy studies with a focus

of the detectability estimator as a criterion for design. We explore analytically the model with con-

licates used.

large sample approximations, emphasize the need to use simulations when designing for small sam-

4. We offer advice on the amount of replication needed when the probability of detection is a quan-

increase the amount of replication per site compared with situations where only occupancy is of

5. Synthesis and applications. It is essential to have clearly stated objectives before starting a study

done in different ways, occupancy studies should be designed carefully to ensure an efficient use of

expected from a particular study design. The discussion and guidance provided here is of special

the context of ecology and conservation.