Reconstructing population dynamics of a threatened marine mammal using multiple data sets.

ABSTRACT: Models of marine mammal population dynamics have been used extensively to predict abundance. A less common application of these models is to reconstruct historical population dynamics, filling in gaps in observation data by integrating information from multiple sources. We developed an integrated population model for the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) to reconstruct its population dynamics in the southwest region of the state over the past 20 years. Our model improved precision of key parameter estimates and permitted inference on poorly known parameters. Population growth was slow (averaging 1.02; 95% credible interval 1.01-1.03) but not steady, and an unusual mortality event in 2013 led to an estimated net loss of 332 (217-466) manatees. Our analyses showed that precise

SUBMITTER: Hostetler JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7846604 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature