| Abstract: | Using some large samples as actual populations we study a series of promising estimators for number of species in a population. We recommend a nonparametric estimator, CM2f = cs + fc1/(2c2) where cs is the number of species observed, c1 and c2 are the numbers of species occurring once and twice respectively on the sample plots, and f is the finite population correction for sampling, from such data as collected by Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) of the US Forest Service. For FIA samples, there are estimated to be 0, 4, 3, 1 and 6 rare tree species not sampled in Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New, York, and Ohio respectively. |
