@article{fdi:010070965,
  title = {{B}ias associated with the detectability of the coral-eating pest crown-of-thorns seastar and implications for reef management},
  author = {{K}ayal, {M}. and {B}osserelle, {P}. and {A}djeroud, {M}ehdi},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{O}utbreaks of the predator crown-of-thorns seastar ({COTS}) {A}canthaster planci cause widespread coral mortality across the {I}ndo-{P}acific. {L}ike many marine invertebrates, {COTS} is a nocturnal species whose cryptic behaviour during the day can affect its detectability, particularly in structurally complex reef habitats that provide many refuges for benthic creatures. {W}e performed extensive day and night surveys of {COTS} populations in coral reef habitats showing differing levels of structural complexity and {COTS} abundance. {W}e tested whether estimations of {COTS} density varied between day and night observations, and if the differences were related to changes in {COTS} abundance, reef structural complexity and the spatial scale of observation. {E}stimations of {COTS} density were on average 27% higher at night than during the day. {D}ifferences in {COTS} detection varied with changing seastar abundance but not reef structural complexity or scale of observation. {U}nderestimation of {COTS} abundance in daytime was significant for a broad seastar density range, thus potentially affecting most outbreak events. {O}ur study suggests that portions of {COTS} populations can be undetected during conventional surveys and control campaigns, which are exclusively conducted by day, and significantly affect the trajectory of coral reefs. {A}ccounting for bias in {COTS} detection can strengthen coral reef management broadly.},
  keywords = {pest outbreak ; {A}canthaster planci ; estimation bias ; habitat complexity ; density-dependence ; contrast curve ; {POLYNESIE} {FRANCAISE} ; {MOOREA}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{R}oyal {S}ociety {O}pen {S}cience},
  volume = {4},
  numero = {8},
  pages = {art. 170396 [7 p.]},
  ISSN = {2054-5703},
  year = {2017},
  DOI = {10.1098/rsos.170396},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010070965},
}