Modeling structured population dynamics using data from unmarked individuals

• DOI: 10.1890/13-1131.1
• Publication Date: 2013-10-01T04:13:44Z
• Authors: Elise F. Zipkin; James T. Thorson; Kevin See; Heather J. Lynch; Evan H. Campbell ...; Yoichiro Kanno; Richard B. Chandler; Benjamin H. Letcher; J. Andrew Royle
• Keywords: Vital rates; Mark and recapture; Population model; Abundance estimation

The study of population dynamics requires unbiased, precise estimates abundance and vital rates that account for the demographic structure inherent in all wildlife plant populations. Traditionally, these have only been available through approaches rely on intensive mark-recapture data. We extended recently developed N-mixture models to demonstrate how parameters can be estimated structured populations using stage-structured count Our modeling framework used make reliable inferences as well recruitment, immigration, stage-specific survival, detection during sampling. present a range simulations illustrate data requirements, including number years locations necessary accurate parameter estimates. apply our northern dusky salamanders (Desmognathus fuscus) mid-Atlantic region (USA) find is unexpectedly declining. approach represents valuable advance estimation multistate from unmarked individuals should additionally useful development integrated combine (e.g., mark-recapture) extensive counts) sources.