Problem Set 13:

Band Recovery Analysis

Scenario

Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) were banded in the San Luis Valley of Colorado.  Banding was done annually over 9 years and recovery information was recorded during that time.

The dataset to use is slvm_exer.inp, located in at S:\Courses\WLF448\MARK\.

Analyze these data using program MARK run all 4 models presented in the lab notes (and others if you think you are feeling ambitious).

1. Which model is the best for use in making inferences from the data?   How did you select this model?  What are the specific assumptions of the model you selected in terms of survival and recovery rates?  (3 points)

2. What are the estimated recovery rates and standard errors for adult and young mallards during the third year of band recovery when survival and recovery rates varied over time and between groups?  Note that you should show 2 estimates and 2 standard errors--1 for adults and 1 for young.  Print the output used to answer this question.  (4 points)

3. What are the estimated survival and recovery rates for the model with constant survival and recovery rates across recovery periods but not between groups?  You should show 4 estimates--1 for adult survival, 1 for adult recovery, 1 for young survival, and 1 for young recovery.  Print the output used to answer this question.  (4 points)
   

4. Name 1 factor other than the total number of birds you banded that would determine sample size and, consequently, the precision of your survival estimates? (1 point)

5. Write out what your PIMs would look like for the following model: [S(gt)R(..)].  (4 points)

6. Using the nomenclature like in MARK where g = group, t = time and . = constant.  Provide a model name and describe what the model means in  complete sentence: (4 points)
   s_a                                        s_j
   1     2     3    4            1     2     3    4
          2     3    4                   2     3    4
                 3    4                          3    4
                       4                                4
   r_A                                      r_j
   5     6     7    8            9    10    11    12
          6     7    8                  10    11    12
                 7    8                          11    12
                       8                                  12

Turn in at the start of lab next week:

1. Typed and double-spaced answers to the questions.  All answers should fit on a single page.  No formatted tables or figures are required for this problem set.

2. Hard copy of any output used to answer questions 2-4.  Attach behind your answer sheet.  These output pages do not need to be formatted in any particular way, but be clear about which output pages refer to which question and highlight or circle the values you used to answer the questions.

Revised: 28 November 2011