Belt transect

Belt transects are used in biology, more specifically in biostatistics, to estimate the distribution of organisms in relation to a certain area, such as the seashore or a meadow.^[1][2]

The belt transect method is similar to the line transect method but gives information on abundance as well as presence, or absence of species.^[3][4]

Method

The method involves laying out a transect line and then placing quadrats over the line, starting the quadrat at the first marked point of the line.^[5] Any consistent measurement size for the quadrat and length of the line can be chosen, depending on the species. With the quadrats applied, all the individuals of a species can be counted, and the species abundance can be estimated.^[5] The method is also suitable for long-term observations with a permanent installation.^[6]