Mark- Release- Recapture Method Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is this technique used to estimate?
The population of mobile animals
What is the first stage?
Capture a representative sample of organisms and mark them
How does this mark work?
It can’t affect their survival
What is stage two?
The marked organisms are released back, and a suitable period of time is left
Why is a suitable amount of time left?
To enable the organisms to mix randomly within the population
What is stage three?
A second sample of organisms are captured and marked individuals are counted
How is the population size calculated?
(Number captured and marked in first sample x number captured in second sample) / Number recaptured in second sample
What assumptions are made by using this technique?
Organisms mix randomly, sufficient time is left, organisms disperse evenly, changes in population due to immigration, emigration, births and deaths are negligible, marking does not hinder survival
