Multistate models for estimation of survival and reproduction in the Grey-headed Albatross (Thalassarche chrysostoma)
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Abstract
Reliable information on demography is necessary for conservation of albatrosses, the most threatened family of pelagic birds. Albatross survival has been estimated using mark-recapture data and the Cormack-Jolly-Seber (CJS) model. However, albatross exhibit skipped breeding, violating assumptions of the CJS model. Multistate modeling integrating unobservable states is a promising tool for such situations. We applied multistate models to data on Grey-headed Albatross (Talassarche chrysostoma) to evaluate model performance and describe demographic patterns. These included a multistate equivalent of the CJS model (MS-2), including successful and failed breeding states and ignoring temporary emigration, and three versions of a four-state multistate model that accounts for temporary emigration by integrating unobservable states: a model (MS-4) with one sample per breeding season, a robust design model (RDMS-4) with multiple samples per season and geographic closure within the season, and an open robust design model (ORDMS-4) with multiple samples per season and staggered entry and exit of animals within the season. Survival estimates from the MS-2 model were higher than those from the MS-4 model, which resulted in apparent percent relative bias averaging 2.2%. The ORDMS-4 model was more appropriate than the RDMS-4 model, given that staggered entry and exit occurred. Annual survival probability for Greyheaded Albatross at Marion Island was 0.951 ± 0.006 (SE), and the probability of skipped breeding in a subsequent year averaged 0.938 for successful and 0.163 for failed breeders. We recommend that multistate models with unobservable states, combined with robust-design sampling, be used in studies of species that exhibit temporary emigration.
Suggested Citation
Converse, S.J., Kendall, W.L., Doherty, P.F., Ryan, P.G., 2009, Multistate models for estimation of survival and reproduction in the Grey-headed Albatross (Thalassarche chrysostoma): The Auk, v. 126, no. 1, p. 77-88, https://doi.org/10.1525/auk.2009.07189.
ISSN: 1938-4254 (online)
ISSN: 0004-8038 (print)
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Multistate models for estimation of survival and reproduction in the Grey-headed Albatross (Thalassarche chrysostoma) |
| Series title | The Auk |
| DOI | 10.1525/auk.2009.07189 |
| Volume | 126 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 2009 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Ornithological Society |
| Contributing office(s) | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 12 p. |
| First page | 77 |
| Last page | 88 |
| Online Only (Y/N) | N |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |