popcluster: hierarchical population monitoring frameworks, Version 2.0.0

We developed a method to construct hierarchically nested and biologically relevant groupings of similar habitats associated with field surveys while considering structure/connectedness (movements between habitats). This approach can support mobile species using high fidelity sites where monitoring during surveys occurs, such as birthing grounds, breeding grounds, or stopovers/seasonal habitats for migratory species. Each nested level of the resulting hierarchical monitoring framework will represent an increasing number of similarly clustered survey observation sites allowing for comparisons of population changes across spatial and temporal scales. We applied these concepts to greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a lekking (breeding grounds) species of conservation concern, across the species’ range located within the western United States.