Course Syllabus

Multi-state*

mark-recapture

analysis

NRES 896 Module #2 (1 cr)

 

Course homepage:

http://snr.unl.edu/powell/teaching/nres896/MSMR/nres896.htm

 

*and other complex mark-recapture analyses

Trumpeter Swan with Patagial Tag

Trumpeter Swan with patagial tag -- Wayne Miller photo (USGS)

Spring 2008

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

School of Natural Resources

Location

TR 3:00-4:15 (April 1-May 1)

141 Hardin Hall

Instructor

Larkin Powell, Associate Professor

Office:  419 Hardin Hall

Phone:  402.472.6825

Email:  lpowell3@unl.edu

Course Schedule

Links

 

 

Course description  

More complex estimation of demographic parameters from mark-recapture data.  Multi-state models (and application to many situations) will be the focus; but, we will cover a variety of more complex types of mark-recapture data structures.  We will use a variety of software packages, including program MARK.  This 1-credit mini-course is computer intensive and applied.  Graduate-only course.

Grading

Exams (1): 30%

Homework: 70%

(Explanation of grading system)

 

Textbook

Cooch, E., and G. White.  2005.  Program MARK: a gentle introduction, 4th edition.  Can be viewed and/or downloaded from here. 

Other suggested reading:

Williams, B. K., J. D. Nichols, and M. J. Conroy.  2001.  Analysis and management of animal populations.  Academic Press. (top recommendation)

Krebs, C. J.  1999. Ecological methodology, 2nd edition.  Benjamin/Cummings, Menlo Park, CA.

Millspaugh, J., and J. M Marzloff.  2001.  Radio tracking and animal populations.  Academic Press.

Thompson, W. L., G. C. White, and C. Gowan.  1998.  Monitoring vertebrate populations.  Academic Press, San Diego.

 

Course objectives

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

1.  Use mark-recapture analyses to estimate demographic parameters for animal populations, such as survival, movement, transition rates, fidelity rates, and population size.

2.  Design and plan a more complex mark-recapture study that provide rigorous data for decision-making.

3.  Discuss current literature, method assumptions, and quantitative theory as it pertains to the estimation procedures used in this course.