DIURNAL VERSUS 24-HOUR SAMPLING OF HABITAT USE

Habitat use estimates may be biased if the sampling design does not co nsider differences in a species' habitat use throughout a 24-hour peri od. We reviewed studies to examine the suitability of sampling designs in determining habitat use relative to a species daily activity patte rn. Of 56 studies we reviewed, 22 presented data only from daylight sa mpling and 12 did not describe their methods with enough detail to det ermine when sampling occurred. Elk (Cervus elaphus) habitat use throug hout the entire 24-hour period was different (P < 0.001) from that dur ing diurnal hours. Managers should be cautious when implementing manag ement strategies developed only from diurnal datasets.