Using multiple data types and integrated population models to improve our knowledge of apex predator population dynamics.

ABSTRACT: Current management of large carnivores is informed using a variety of parameters, methods, and metrics; however, these data are typically considered independently. Sharing information among data types based on the underlying ecological, and recognizing observation biases, can improve estimation of individual and global parameters. We present a general integrated population model (IPM), specifically designed for brown bears (Ursus arctos), using three common data types for bear (U. spp.) populations: repeated counts, capture-mark-recapture, and litter size. We considered factors affecting ecological and observation processes for these data. We assessed the practicality of this approach on a simulated population and compared estimates from our model to values used for simulatio

SUBMITTER: Bled F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5696435 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature