title: Analysis of capture-recapture models with individual covariates using data augmentation.
abstract: I consider the analysis of capture-recapture models with individual covariates that influence detection probability. Bayesian analysis of the joint likelihood is carried out using a flexible data augmentation scheme that facilitates analysis by Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, and a simple and straightforward implementation in freely available software. This approach is applied to a study of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) in which auxiliary data on a continuous covariate (body mass) are recorded, and it is thought that detection probability is related to body mass. In a second example, the model is applied to an aerial waterfowl survey in which a double-observer protocol is used. The fundamental unit of observation is the cluster of individual birds, and the size of the cluster (a discrete covariate) is used as a covariate on detection probability.
authors.affiliation: U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, Maryland 20708, USA. aroyle@usgs.gov
authors.forename: J Andrew
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Royle
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D046090:Anseriformes; D003411:Arvicolinae; D001499:Bayes Theorem; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D008390:Markov Chains; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D019370:Observation; D011336:Probability; D012984:Software