The use of time-series analysis for game bag statistics.

Abstract

Time-series analysis is a useful method for examining the temporal fluctuations in numbers of animals, to determine whether variations are random or cyclic. If cycles are present, the analysis will indicate the average length of the cycle (periodicity), how variable it is, and with what certainty future cycles may be predicted.

Game bag records are particularly appropriate for this kind of analysis, and I will illustrate how we have used them in our studies of red grouse Lagopus l. scoticus.