Tag loss can bias Jolly-Seber capture-recapture estimates
Wildlife Society Bulletin
By: T. L. McDonald, Steven C. Amstrup, and B.F.J. Manly
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Abstract
We identified cases where the Jolly-Seber estimator of population size is biased under tag loss and tag-induced mortality by examining the mathematical arguments and performing computer simulations. We found that, except under certain tag-loss models and high sample sizes, the population size estimators (uncorrected for tag loss) are severely biased high when tag loss or tag-induced mortality occurs. Our findings verify that this misconception about effects of tag loss and tag-induced mortality could have serious consequences for field biologists interested in population size. Reiterating common sense, we encourage those engaged in capture-recapture studies to be careful and humane when handling animals during tagging, to use tags with high retention rates, to double-tag animals when possible, and to strive for the highest capture probabilities possible.
Suggested Citation
McDonald, T.L., Amstrup, S.C., Manly, B., 2003, Tag loss can bias Jolly-Seber capture-recapture estimates: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 31, no. 3, p. 814-822.
ISSN: 1938-5463 (online)
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Tag loss can bias Jolly-Seber capture-recapture estimates |
| Series title | Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Year Published | 2003 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| First page | 814 |
| Last page | 822 |