Gates, CormackPiorecky, Mark D.2005-08-082005-08-0820030612936104http://hdl.handle.net/1880/40391Bibliography: p. 87-100.Surveys for northern pygmy (NPOW) and barred (BAOW) owls were conducted to determine distribution, abundance and habitat selection along Alberta's eastern slopes. The effect of environmental conditions on owl response rates was examined and density estimates were produced using an analytical method that models variation in species detectability (distance sampling). Both species were widely distributed and occurred at low densities throughout the study area (NPOW: D=0.048 birds/km2, CVb=55.8, BAOW: D=0.025 birds/km2, CVb=30. 7). Stepwise logistic and autologistic regression were used to develop predictive models for each species. Autologistic models accounted for observed spatial dependencies. All models considered biophysical variable selection at two spatial scales, minimum and maximum home range. Habitat selection models will enable managers to set and reach habitat goals by quantifying species habitat requirements and determining predicted habitat availability based on management actions.xi, 103 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.master thesis10.11575/PRISM/15513AC1 .T484 2003 P56