Mark-Recapture Statistics and Demographic Analysis
Abstract
Mark-recapture analyses of populations are an important tool in population biology. In this thesis, I extend mark-recapture analyses to provide a link between mark-recapture data and demographic models such as matrix population models and integrodifference equation models. I resolve some issues that are commonly encountered during sampling, such as the fact that the sex or life-stage of some individuals is unknown during some sampling occasions and that individuals become unobservable during some life stages. I introduce a stage structure that permits simple conversion of estimated transition probabilities into a matrix population model. I describe a simple algorithm to simplify programming for parameter estimation. I also introduce a method to estimate the distribution of dispersal displacements (dispersal kernel) from mark-recapture data. I use some of the above methods to estimate the vital rates of the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis). To the estimated vital rates, I apply demographic analyses including population viability analyses and sensitivity analysis. Finally, I compare effects of environmental and demographic stochasticities on the viability of the population.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA408895
Entities
People
- Masami Fujiwara
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology