La relation fréquence-abondance. Aspects théoriques ; application à un peuplement d'oiseaux

The frequency of a species (proportion of samples in which the species is recorded) is a non linear function of its abundance, which is modified by the pattern of distribution of the individuals and by the surface of the area sampled. These parameters determine mine the probability of presence of a species. The probability of detection of an individual depends on species detectability and on the sampling duration. Several models are proposed to describe the influence of these parameters on the relationship between frequency and abundance, but it was not possible to deduce a general model that includes all these parameters. Thus sampling conditions have to be carefully chosen in order to control at least some of these parameters. The proposed models have been applied to a series of bird censuses performed by Blondel (Terre et Vie, 29 (1975) : 533-589). Species frequencies were determined from 38 samplings and were transformed into species abundances using the models proposed in the first section of this paper. Species abundances derived from the frequencies agree fairly well with species abundances determined by direct sampling. The models proposed may have more general applications to samplings based on the presence or absence of a species.Frelin Christian. La relation fréquence-abondance. Aspects théoriques ; application à un peuplement d'oiseaux. In: Revue d'Écologie (La Terre et La Vie), tome 36, n°3, 1982. pp. 435-464