Customized software to streamline routine analyses for wildlife management. (21st December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nowak, J. Joshua; Lukacs, Paul M.; Hurley, Mark A.; Lindbloom, Andrew J.; Robling, Kevin A.; Gude, Justin A.; Robinson, Hugh
• Is Part Of: Wildlife Society bulletin. Volume 42:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 144
• Page End: 149
• Publication Date: 2017-12-21
• Subjects: cloud computing -- cougar -- deer -- elk -- integrated population model -- structured decision‐making -- ungulate -- wildlife management; Wildlife management -- Periodicals; Wildlife conservation -- Periodicals; 333.9540973
• DOI: 10.1002/wsb.841
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-7648

Abstract

ABSTRACT: It is widely recognized that modern computer software makes wildlife management and research easier and allows increasingly complex tasks to become routine. Unfortunately, data storage and reporting rarely keep pace with the rapid expansion of data analysis software. Such disconnects in workflow can lead to missed opportunities where data are not used fully and new information is slow to emerge. We present a server‐based software system, PopR (https://popr.cfc.umt.edu ), which merges wildlife management agency databases with state‐of‐the‐art statistical software for real‐time wildlife data analysis, population modeling, and reporting. The interface to PopR is a secure website allowing access from any location with internet access and from any platform (personal computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.). PopR connects to remote data sources through an application program interface. PopR implements Bayesian integrated population models combining multiple data sources. PopR also implements individual data source analyses such as survival, sightability, herd composition, and harvest, among other data sources. Finally, PopR generates reports and figures for rapid dissemination and incorporation of results into decision processes. PopR presents a seamless workflow from data to analysis to reporting. © 2017 The Wildlife Society. Abstract : We developed PopR to streamline and improve analysis for routine wildlife management problems. PopR provides data management, analysis, and population modeling for wildlife management agencies.