Pronghorn populations are estimated using line transect surveys. These surveys are conducted using fixed-wing airplane to estimate the population of pronghorn in a given herd. Originally designed for counting marine mammals, line transect surveys were adapted for pronghorn in Wyoming. Pronghorn are highly visible in open terrain and are widely distributed across large landscapes. Here’s how we do it:
Line transect sampling is used to estimate the density of pronghorn along a series of linear transects. Within a herd, biologists and wardens fly transect lines across all or a portion of suitable habitat to estimate pronghorn densities. While we cannot physically count every animal in the herd, this technique allows us to determine pronghorn densities within the areas we fly and then extrapolate those densities across the entire herd unit to derive an overall population estimate. See an example in the video below:
Each year line transect surveys are conducted on select pronghorn herds across the state in late May or early June to estimate population size at the end of the biological year, which is after the winter but before new fawns are born. This enables wildlife managers to anchor population models to estimates produced from these surveys. This provides more precise data and management decisions to ensure pronghorn herds are healthy and will continue to provide good hunting opportunity in the years to come.
Line transect sampling is used to estimate the density of pronghorn along a series of linear transects. Within a herd, biologists and wardens fly transect lines across all or a portion of suitable habitat to estimate pronghorn densities. While we cannot physically count every animal in the herd, this technique allows us to determine pronghorn densities within the areas we fly and then extrapolate those densities across the entire herd unit to derive an overall population estimate. See an example in the video below:
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Each year line transect surveys are conducted on select pronghorn herds across the state in late May or early June to estimate population size at the end of the biological year, which is after the winter but before new fawns are born. This enables wildlife managers to anchor population models to estimates produced from these surveys. This provides more precise data and management decisions to ensure pronghorn herds are healthy and will continue to provide good hunting opportunity in the years to come.
Publish Date
Answered By
Justin Binfet
Job Title
Wildlife Management Coordinator, Casper Region
Photo
Ask Game ID
40
Node order
262
Parent Node
1135