Can we model distribution of population abundance from wildlife–vehicles collision data?

Reliable estimates of the distribution species abundance are a key element in wildlife studies, but such information is usually difficult to obtain for large spatial or long temporal scales. Wildlife–vehicle collision (WVC) data systematically registered many countries and could be used as proxy population if number WVC each territory increase with abundance. However, factors road density human should controlled accurate estimations from data. Here, we propose hierarchical modeling approach using Royle–Nichols model detection–non-detection indices WVC. Relative individual detectability were modeled two species, wild boar Sus scrofa roe deer Capreolus capreolus at 10 × km cells mainland Spain environmental, anthropological covariates. For cell, detection was annotated least one recorded month (used survey occasion). The predicted compared raw hunting statistics region level assess performance approach. Site specific covariates administrative year, affected detectability, higher probability between October December April July deer. Wild can explained by both, bioclimatic land cover Abundance obtained significantly positively correlated regional yields both species. We presented empirical evidence supporting that fine resolution generated when considered process.