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Capture Recapture

Estimating population size using sampling techniques is essential in fields like ecology and public health, with common methods including the Quadrat Method and Capture-Recapture. The Quadrat Method involves counting individuals in randomly selected squares, while Capture-Recapture relies on marking individuals, releasing them, and later recapturing to estimate total population size based on marked individuals. Key assumptions for the accuracy of Capture-Recapture include a closed population, equal catchability, and that marking does not affect individuals.

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Dwayne Matseka
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135 views2 pages

Capture Recapture

Estimating population size using sampling techniques is essential in fields like ecology and public health, with common methods including the Quadrat Method and Capture-Recapture. The Quadrat Method involves counting individuals in randomly selected squares, while Capture-Recapture relies on marking individuals, releasing them, and later recapturing to estimate total population size based on marked individuals. Key assumptions for the accuracy of Capture-Recapture include a closed population, equal catchability, and that marking does not affect individuals.

Uploaded by

Dwayne Matseka
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

ESTIMATING POPULATION SIZE USING SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

Estimating population size through sampling is a common practice in various fields, including

ecology, demographics, and public health. Here's a breakdown of some key techniques:

Common Sampling Techniques:

● Quadrat Method:

○ This method is primarily used for sessile (non-moving) organisms like plants or

slow-moving animals.

○ It involves dividing the study area into squares (quadrats) of a known size.

○ Individuals within a random selection of these quadrats are counted.

○ The average number of individuals per quadrat is then used to estimate the total

population size.

○ Formula example: population = mean number of individuals per quadrat x (area of

habitat / area of quadrat)

. CAPTURE-RECAPTURE:

The capture-recapture method is a valuable tool in ecology and other fields for estimating
population sizes, particularly when direct counting is impractical.

Here's a more detailed look at how it works: Core Principles:

● Marking:

○ The method relies on capturing a sample of individuals from the population and marking
them in a way that doesn't harm them or significantly alter their behavior.

○ These marked individuals are then released back into the population.

● Recapture:

○ After a suitable period, a second sample is captured. ○ The number of marked individuals
in this second sample is recorded.

● Estimation:

○ The ratio of marked individuals in the second sample to the total number of individuals in
that sample is used to estimate the overall population size.

The Formula: The basic formula used in the capture-recapture method is: ● N = (M × n) / m
Where:

● N = Estimated total population size

● M = Number of individuals captured and marked in the first sample


● n = Total number of individuals captured in the second sample

● m = Number of marked individuals recaptured in the second sample Assumptions: The


accuracy of the capture-recapture method relies on several key assumptions:

● Closed Population: The population must be closed, meaning there are no births, deaths,
immigration, or emigration during the sampling period.

● Equal Catchability: All individuals in the population must have an equal chance of being
captured in both samples.

● Random Mixing: Marked individuals must have sufficient time to mix randomly back into
the population before the second sample is taken.

● Marks Remain: Marks must not be lost or become unreadable during the study.

● No Effect of Marking: The marking process itself must not affect the survival or behavior
of the individuals. Applications: The capture-recapture method is widely used to estimate
populations of:

● Fish

● Birds

● Mammals

● Insects Important Considerations:

● The time interval between captures is crucial. It must be long enough for adequate mixing
but short enough to minimize the effects of population changes.

● The marking method must be appropriate for the species being studied.

● Large sample sizes generally lead to more accurate estimates.

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