A state-space concomitant capture-recapture integrated model to improve population parameter estimates of sparse datasets

The present work demonstrated that a state-space formulation of an integrated concurrent marking-observation capture-recapture model (C-MOM) allows for concomitant marking and observing data collection processes, which is a violation of assumptions of classical mark-resight models available, such as the zero-truncated Poisson log-normal mixed effects (ZPNE). To assess C-MOM’s performance under different scenarios, its population parameters’ estimates were compared in terms of bias, precision and accuracy to estimates produced by a classical mark recapture (CMR) (based on Jolly-Seber) and the ZPNE in a virtual ecology study of the rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris).

This small colonial rodent presents low capture, but high observation rates. In comparison to the CMR and the ZPNE, the C-MOM presented improved accuracy without overestimating precision. This approach enables scientists studying colonial or gregarious species to produce reliable population parameter’s estimates even budget and time restrictions result in sparse capture-recapture datasets.