Population size and dispersal estimation with mark-recapture

yes

Mark-recapture methods allow precise estimation of population sizes of investigated species as well as of their dispersal, i.e. individual movements among local populations. Both parameters are of crucial importance for population dynamics and hence mark-recapture studies are widely used in both ecological research and conservation-oriented monitoring of numerous species, especially those occurring in fragmented landscapes. The aim of the course is to provide students with the ability to properly design mark-recapture studies and to analyse the data collected through such studies for the estimation of population sizes and dispersal parameters.

The topics covered by the lectures include: (i) advantages and limitation in the application of mark-recapture methods in population studies; (ii) marking techniques for various taxonomic groups; (iii) the assumptions of basic models for population size estimation in closed populations with no change in the number of individuals during surveys as well in and open populations with changing number of individuals due to demographic processes (births and/or mortality) and dispersal (emigration and/or immigration); (iv) theoretical background of dispersal analysis: evolutionary drivers of dispersal, its role in population and metapopulation functioning, distinguishing dispersal from other types of individual movements (periodic migrations, nomadism, daily routine movements within territories or home ranges); (v) main parameters of dispersal (average movement distance, emigration rate, mortality of dispersers) and their evaluation with descriptive indices and analytical models; (vi) field survey planning in order to meet the model requirements and assumptions, including the optimisation of survey frequency and intensity.

The course comprises 2 blocks of 7 lecture hours (5:15 h) in the second part of winter semester.

The practical exercises are devoted to the analyses of population size and dispersal parameters with the help of freely available dedicated computer programmes, such as MARK and VM2. Through following and discussing the analyses carried out by the course leader, and subsequent self-conducted analyses the students will learn the rules of preparing input files and their import to the programmes, running a wide range of analytical models (Cormack-Jolly-Seber models, CAPTURE models, Robust Design, Virtual Migration), and interpretation of their outcomes.

The course comprises 4 blocks of 7 exercise hours (5:15 h) in the second part of winter semester.

KNOWLDGE:

Student knows the advantages and limitations in the application of mark-recapture methods in ecological research and species monitoring.

Student understands the assumptions of basic models used in mark-recapture data analysis.

ABILITIES:

Student can properly design field research studies using mark-recapture methods.

Student is able to conduct the analyses of population size and dispersal parameters with the help of freely available software.

Student correctly interprets the results of such analyses.

SOCIAL COMPETENCES:

Student actively engages in the realisation of research tasks carried out alone or in a small team.

Student is oriented towards timely delivery of pursued goals.

None.

It is necessary to use a laptop during the exercises. A few participants who do not have their own laptop may be provided with university laptops upon prior arrangement. The installation files for the software to be used will be provided.

1. Active participation in the course.

2. Completing the analysis of the data provided by the course leader or obtained independently, e.g. through research conducted within MSc project.

3 ECTS, 14 hours of lectures + 28 hours of practical exercises

The course starts in December 2023 and will be realised for 6 weeks in blocks in the following order: lectures (7h), exercises (7h), exercises (7h), lectures (7h), exercises (7h), exercises (7h).

(in Polish) Environmental Protection and Management, studia stacjonarne drugiego stopnia, rok 1
(in Polish) Environmental Protection and Management, studia stacjonarne drugiego stopnia, rok 2