Estimating breeding proportions and testing hypotheses about costs of reproduction with capture-recapture data

摘要: The proportion of animals in a population that breeds is an important determinant growth rate. Usual estimates this quantity from field sampling data assume the probability appearing capture or count statistic same for do and not breed. A similar assumption required by most existing methods used to test ecologically interesting hypotheses about reproductive costs using data. However, many situations breeding nonbreeding are likely exhibit different probabilities being seen caught. In paper, we propose use multistate capture-recapture models these estimation testing problems. This methodology permits formal hypothesis equal capture/ sighting individuals. Two estimators (and associated standard errors) presented, one case unequal probabilities. modeling framework also yields tests future repro- duction survival both fitness components. general illustrated on female meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus. Resulting reproductively active females showed strong seasonal vari- ation, as expected, with low proportions midwinter. We found no evidence extracted subsequent reproduction. believe methodological has wide application problems animal ecology concerning phenotypic costs.