| Radiotelemetry data for 5 tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) were analyzed for independence between consecutive observations, similarities and differences between ground and aerial data, and changes in patterns of home range utilization. These analyses were used to assess the relative value of different techniques for determining home range characteristics and were the basis for recommendations for future studies.;There was no single best technique for home range analysis. Comparisons of home range sizes for different times, habitats, and animals employed fast Fourier transform analysis of aerial data. Techniques that do not assume statistical independence (minimum polygon, minimum convex polygon, and modified minimum area method) were most appropriate for analysis of data sets containing ground observations. These findings have wide applicability for other studies with large mammals.;Current tests of independence were found to be inappropriate for these data and an alternative method for assessing independence was discussed. Changes in patterns of home range utilization were found to be important for organizing data into appropriate temporal subsets. |
