Research and management questions often focus on obtaining robust (i.e., unbiased and precise) estimates of various demographic parameters about wildlife populations. Estimates of abundance, density, population growth, state transition rates, and vital rates can provide valuable insights into changes to population status as well as their drivers. Among the most popular and diverse approaches to estimating such parameters includes a suite of sampling and analytical methods known as capture-mark-recapture (or several similar terms). This class will focus on providing a solid foundation to using these techniques to answer a broad range of ecological and management-related questions. We emphasize asking good questions, identifying appropriate sampling methods rooted in animal behavior and ecology, and choosing the right analytical techniques. With these in mind, we will analyze example datasets using both 'canned' (MARK) and command-line software (R) during online lectures and practical exercises.
