Analysis Of Mark-recapture Data Research Articles

Estimation of Rates of Births, Deaths, and Immigration from Mark–Recapture Data

The analysis of mark-recapture data is undergoing a period of development and expansion. Here we contribute to that by presenting a model which includes both births and immigration, as well as the usual deaths. Data come from a long-term study of the willow tit (Parus montanus), where we can assume that all births are recorded, and hence immigrants can also be identified as birds captured as adults for the first time. We model the rates of immigration, birth rate per parent, and death rates of juveniles and adults. Using a hierarchical model allows us to incorporate annual variation in these parameters. The model is fitted to the data using Markov chain Monte Carlo, as a Bayesian analysis. In addition to the model fitting, we also check several aspects of the model fit, in particular whether survival varies with age or immigrant status, and whether capture probability is affected by previous capture history. The latter check is important, as independence of capture histories is a key assumption that simplifies the model considerably. Here we find that the capture probability depends strongly on whether the individual was captured in the previous year.

On the analysis of mark-recapture data: a reply to Henle (2005)

On the analysis of mark-recapture data: a reply to Henle (2005)

An Approximate Confidence Interval for Survival Probability Based on Jackson's Method for the Analysis of Mark-recapture Data

A common problem in mark-recapture studies is that the effects of mortality and emigration are confounded. Jackson's method is a simple and elegant way to separate these effects. This paper describes an approximate confidence interval for survival probability based on Jackson's method. Some simulation results are presented suggesting that the confidence interval works well in situations where the bias of Jackson's method is small.

POPAN-6: Exploring convergence and estimate properties with SIMULATE

We describe some developments in the P OPAN system for the analysis of mark-recapture data from Jolly-Seber (JS) type experiments. The latest version, P OPAN-6, adopts the Design Matrix approach for specifying constraints and then uses it in the constrained maximization of the likelihood. We describe how this is done and the difference it makes to convergence and parameter identifiability over the constraint contrast-equation methods used in P OPAN-5. Then we show how the SIMULATE capabilities of P OPAN can be used to explore the properties of estimates, including their identifiability, precision, and robustness to model misspecification or capture heterogeneity.

Using mark-recapture to estimate the numbers of a migrating stage-structured population

A model is presented for the joint analysis of mark-recapture data and stage- or age-structured data that allows the population abundance, birth rates, and migration rates to be estimated in situations where standard methods may be unreliable. The model assumes that birth rates follow a continuous distribution and that migration can be described by a simple Markov process. Application of the model is illustrated using mark-recapture and stage-structured data for grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) pup production in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and resulted in estimates of 9800 and 10 500 pups produced in 1989 and 1990, respectively.

An examination of some statistical tests used in the analysis of mark-recapture data.

Some statistical tests used in mark-recapture analysis are examined. It is shown that the tests presently available are insensitive and are not adequate under certain conditions. The most important of these is that a population stratified with respect to probability of capture may not, by present tests, be distinguished from a homogenous population.