This analysis finds no correlation between agitation behaviour and capture probability in woylies, suggesting minimal sampling bias implications for conservation efforts.
Consistent differences in behaviour among individual animals are commonly observed. These behavioural types have important implications for monitoring populations as they can have a profound impact on detection probability. Behaviour-driven sampling bias has potential to greatly influence the conservation and management of woylies (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi), that are primarily monitored using live trapping. This study explicitly tests whether there is any correlation between agitation behaviour (a repeatable trait) and cage trap capture probability in wild woylies, finding no evidence for an effect. This suggests that studies of woylies employing cage trapping are unlikely to be confounded by behaviour-driven sampling biases arising from this trait.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Natasha D. Harrison (2025) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: