Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Ecosystem Managers (eBook)

Explores computer-intensive probability and statistics for
ecosystem management decision making

Simulation is an accessible way to explain probability and
stochastic model behavior to beginners. This book introduces
probability and statistics to future and practicing ecosystem
managers by providing a comprehensive treatment of these two areas.
The author presents a self-contained introduction for individuals
involved in monitoring, assessing, and managing ecosystems and
features intuitive, simulation-based explanations of probabilistic
and statistical concepts. Mathematical programming details are
provided for estimating ecosystem model parameters with Minimum
Distance, a robust and computer-intensive method.

The majority of examples illustrate how probability and
statistics can be applied to ecosystem management challenges. There
are over 50 exercises - making this book suitable for a
lecture course in a natural resource and/or wildlife management
department, or as the main text in a program of self-study.

Key features:

* Reviews different approaches to wildlife and ecosystem
management and inference.

* Uses simulation as an accessible way to explain probability and
stochastic model behavior to beginners.

* Covers material from basic probability through to hierarchical
Bayesian models and spatial/ spatio-temporal statistical
inference.

* Provides detailed instructions for using R, along with complete
R programs to recreate the output of the many examples
presented.

* Provides an introduction to Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) along with examples from Quantum GIS, a free GIS software
package.

* A companion website featuring all R code and data used
throughout the book.

* Solutions to all exercises are presented along with an online
intelligent tutoring system that supports readers who are using the
book for self-study.