How reliable is the monitoring of permanent vegetation plots? A test with multiple observers

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Article: article from journal or magazin.
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Institution
Title
How reliable is the monitoring of permanent vegetation plots? A test with multiple observers
Journal
Journal of Vegetation Science
Author(s)
Vittoz P., Guisan A.
ISSN
1100-9233
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2007
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
18
Number
3
Pages
413-422
Language
english
Abstract
Questions: A multiple plot design was developed for permanent vegetation plots. How reliable are the different methods used in this design and which changes can we measure? Location: Alpine meadows (2430 m a.s.l.) in the Swiss Alps. Methods: Four inventories were obtained from 40 m(2) plots: four subplots (0.4 m(2)) with a list of species, two 10m transects with the point method (50 points on each), one subplot (4 m2) with a list of species and visual cover estimates as a percentage and the complete plot (40 m(2)) with a list of species and visual estimates in classes. This design was tested by five to seven experienced botanists in three plots. Results: Whatever the sampling size, only 45-63% of the species were seen by all the observers. However, the majority of the overlooked species had cover < 0.1%. Pairs of observers overlooked 10-20% less species than single observers. The point method was the best method for cover estimate, but it took much longer than visual cover estimates, and 100 points allowed for the monitoring of only a very limited number of species. The visual estimate as a percentage was more precise than classes. Working in pairs did not improve the estimates, but one botanist repeating the survey is more reliable than a succession of different observers. Conclusion: Lists of species are insufficient for monitoring. It is necessary to add cover estimates to allow for subsequent interpretations in spite of the overlooked species. The choice of the method depends on the available resources: the point method is time consuming but gives precise data for a limited number of species, while visual estimates are quick but allow for recording only large changes in cover. Constant pairs of observers improve the reliability of the records.
Keywords
point method, pseudoturnover, sampling error, species richness, visual cover estimate
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
24/01/2008 19:06
Last modification date
20/08/2019 12:29
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