Essay On Population Estimation

Population size estimation is an important aspect of many ecological studies. For example, reliable estimates of population size (density) are necessary if effects of habitat manipulations or status of a prey base are to be evaluated (Merkens & Anderson 1988). Mark-recapture methods commonly are used by ecologists to estimate population size of small mammals (Otis et al., 1978; Pollock et al., 1990; Seber, 1982), but often the assumptions underlying these methods are not examined with respect to capture probabilities of the population. Many methods of estimating population size have been proposed (e.g. change in ratio, catch per unit effort, and mark and recapture). Of these techniques, mark and recapture is one of the more common methods used to estimate small population size (Seber 1986).

In this activity, simulations were made in administering an estimate of population size in a population using Lincoln-Petersen Technique. This technique was developed by Petersen in 1896 and later by Lincoln in 1930 to where capture and recapture methods are applied. Mark-recapture approaches has often been used for estimating the size of wildlife populations (White et al. 1982). Unfortunately many species are too difficult to capture or mark, making mark–recapture techniques impractical. However, obtaining reliable

This satisfies one of the most important criteria mark-recapture models, that the population is effectively closed at births, deaths, immigration and emigration. An assumption that population closure within sampling periods is usually assumed (Shane 1987), has been satisfied for this study. The number of marked individuals captured in each census period varies. When the number of marked individuals recaptured is less, that would indicate that in that particular time and area, they are good fit and well-secured by their adaptability and self-protective ability (Pollock & Otto