what are the four assumptions made when using capture and recapture method for population estimation

1 answer

1. The population is closed: This means that no individuals leave or enter the population during the time of the study. Any movement in or out of the population can result in biased population estimates.

2. Marked individuals have the same probability of being recaptured as unmarked individuals: This assumption assumes that marking individuals does not affect their behavior, survival, or detection probability. If marked individuals have a different chance of being recaptured, it can lead to biased population estimates.

3. The marking or tagging of individuals does not affect their mortality or emigration rates: This assumption assumes that marking or tagging does not impact an individual's chances of survival or leaving the population. If marking decreases an individual's survival or emigration rates, it can introduce bias in population estimates.

4. Marks are not lost or overlooked: This assumption assumes that all marked individuals are accurately identified and recognized during recapture. If marks are lost or overlooked, it can lead to underestimation of the population size.