Estimates
of
wildlife
population
size
are
critical
for
conservation
and
management,
but
accurate
estimates
difficult
to
obtain
many
species.Several
methods
have
recently
been
developed
that
estimate
abundance
using
kinship
relationships
observed
in
genetic
samples
,
particularly
parent-offspring
pairs
.While
these
similar
traditional
Capture-Mark-Recapture,
they
do
not
need
physical
recapture,
as
individuals
considered
recaptured
if
a
sample
contains
one
or
more
close
relatives.This
makes
based
on
genetically-identified
interesting
species
which
releasing
marked
animals
back
into
the
is
desirable
possible
(e.g.,
harvested
fish
game
species).However,
while
successfully
applied
commercially
important
species,
absence
lifehistory
data,
making
several
assumptions
unlikely
be
met
terrestrial
species.They
assume
only
generation
parents
juveniles
year,
than
two
generations
can
coexist
hunting
bags
long-lived
sampling
probability
same
each
individual,
an
assumption
violated
when
fecundity
and/or
survival
depend
sex
other
individual
traits.In
order
assess
usefulness
kin-based
sizes
we
simulated
pedigrees
different
with
contrasting
demographic
strategies
(wild
boar
red
deer),
four
compared
accuracy
precision
their
estimates.We
also
performed
sensitivity
analysis,
simulating
varying
characteristics
various
levels
harvesting
identify
optimal
conditions
applicability
method.We
showed
all
reached
required
effective
management
under
circumstances
(i.e.,
within
given
range
intensity),
being
robust
variation.Despite
potential
care
needed
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Feb. 21, 2023
Abstract
Obtaining
robust
estimates
of
population
abundance
is
a
central
challenge
hindering
the
conservation
and
management
many
threatened
exploited
species.
Close-kin
mark-recapture
(CKMR)
genetics-based
approach
that
has
strong
potential
to
improve
monitoring
data-limited
species
by
enabling
abundance,
survival,
other
parameters
for
populations
are
challenging
assess.
However,
CKMR
models
have
received
limited
sensitivity
testing
under
realistic
dynamics
sampling
scenarios,
impeding
application
method
in
programs
stock
assessments.
Here,
we
use
individual-based
simulation
examine
how
unmodeled
aging
uncertainty
affect
accuracy
precision
parameter
different
strategies.
We
then
present
adapted
correct
biases
arise
from
model
misspecification.
Our
results
demonstrate
simple
base-case
produces
with
stable
breed
annually;
however,
if
trend
or
non-annual
breeding
present,
year-specific
desired,
more
complex
must
be
constructed.
In
addition,
show
can
generate
reliable
adults
variety
strategies,
including
juvenile-focused
where
never
directly
observed
(and
error
minimal).
Finally,
apply
been
growth
intermittent
two
decades
genetic
data
juvenile
lemon
sharks
(
Negaprion
brevirostris
)
Bimini,
Bahamas,
samples
drawn
solely
juveniles
contribute
efforts
highly
mobile
populations.
Overall,
this
study
expands
our
understanding
biological
factors
decisions
cause
bias
models,
identifies
key
areas
future
inquiry,
provides
recommendations
aid
biologists
planning
implementing
an
effective
study,
particularly
long-lived
Estimates
of
wildlife
population
size
are
critical
for
conservation
and
management,
but
accurate
estimates
difficult
to
obtain
many
species.Several
methods
have
recently
been
developed
that
estimate
abundance
using
kinship
relationships
observed
in
genetic
samples
,
particularly
parent-offspring
pairs
.While
these
similar
traditional
Capture-Mark-Recapture,
they
do
not
need
physical
recapture,
as
individuals
considered
recaptured
if
a
sample
contains
one
or
more
close
relatives.This
makes
based
on
genetically-identified
interesting
species
which
releasing
marked
animals
back
into
the
is
desirable
possible
(e.g.,
harvested
fish
game
species).However,
while
successfully
applied
commercially
important
species,
absence
lifehistory
data,
making
several
assumptions
unlikely
be
met
terrestrial
species.They
assume
only
generation
parents
juveniles
year,
than
two
generations
can
coexist
hunting
bags
long-lived
sampling
probability
same
each
individual,
an
assumption
violated
when
fecundity
and/or
survival
depend
sex
other
individual
traits.In
order
assess
usefulness
kin-based
sizes
we
simulated
pedigrees
different
with
contrasting
demographic
strategies
(wild
boar
red
deer),
four
compared
accuracy
precision
their
estimates.We
also
performed
sensitivity
analysis,
simulating
varying
characteristics
various
levels
harvesting
identify
optimal
conditions
applicability
method.We
showed
all
reached
required
effective
management
under
circumstances
(i.e.,
within
given
range
intensity),
being
robust
variation.Despite
potential
care
needed
Estimates
of
wildlife
population
size
are
critical
for
conservation
and
management,
but
accurate
estimates
difficult
to
obtain
many
species.Several
methods
have
recently
been
developed
that
estimate
abundance
using
kinship
relationships
observed
in
genetic
samples
,
particularly
parent-offspring
pairs
.While
these
similar
traditional
Capture-Mark-Recapture,
they
do
not
need
physical
recapture,
as
individuals
considered
recaptured
if
a
sample
contains
one
or
more
close
relatives.This
makes
based
on
genetically-identified
interesting
species
which
releasing
marked
animals
back
into
the
is
desirable
possible
(e.g.,
harvested
fish
game
species).However,
while
successfully
applied
commercially
important
species,
absence
lifehistory
data,
making
several
assumptions
unlikely
be
met
terrestrial
species.They
assume
only
generation
parents
juveniles
year,
than
two
generations
can
coexist
hunting
bags
long-lived
sampling
probability
same
each
individual,
an
assumption
violated
when
fecundity
and/or
survival
depend
sex
other
individual
traits.In
order
assess
usefulness
kin-based
sizes
we
simulated
pedigrees
different
with
contrasting
demographic
strategies
(wild
boar
red
deer),
four
compared
accuracy
precision
their
estimates.We
also
performed
sensitivity
analysis,
simulating
varying
characteristics
various
levels
harvesting
identify
optimal
conditions
applicability
method.We
showed
all
reached
required
effective
management
under
circumstances
(i.e.,
within
given
range
intensity),
being
robust
variation.Despite
potential
care
needed
Estimates
of
wildlife
population
size
are
critical
for
conservation
and
management,
but
accurate
estimates
difficult
to
obtain
many
species.Several
methods
have
recently
been
developed
that
estimate
abundance
using
kinship
relationships
observed
in
genetic
samples
,
particularly
parent-offspring
pairs
.While
these
similar
traditional
Capture-Mark-Recapture,
they
do
not
need
physical
recapture,
as
individuals
considered
recaptured
if
a
sample
contains
one
or
more
close
relatives.This
makes
based
on
genetically-identified
interesting
species
which
releasing
marked
animals
back
into
the
is
desirable
possible
(e.g.,
harvested
fish
game
species).However,
while
successfully
applied
commercially
important
species,
absence
lifehistory
data,
making
several
assumptions
unlikely
be
met
terrestrial
species.They
assume
only
generation
parents
juveniles
year,
than
two
generations
can
coexist
hunting
bags
long-lived
sampling
probability
same
each
individual,
an
assumption
violated
when
fecundity
and/or
survival
depend
sex
other
individual
traits.In
order
assess
usefulness
kin-based
sizes
we
simulated
pedigrees
different
with
contrasting
demographic
strategies
(wild
boar
red
deer),
four
compared
accuracy
precision
their
estimates.We
also
performed
sensitivity
analysis,
simulating
varying
characteristics
various
levels
harvesting
identify
optimal
conditions
applicability
method.We
showed
all
reached
required
effective
management
under
circumstances
(i.e.,
within
given
range
intensity),
being
robust
variation.Despite
potential
care
needed
Estimates
of
wildlife
population
size
are
critical
for
conservation
and
management,
but
accurate
estimates
difficult
to
obtain
many
species.Several
methods
have
recently
been
developed
that
estimate
abundance
using
kinship
relationships
observed
in
genetic
samples
,
particularly
parent-offspring
pairs
.While
these
similar
traditional
Capture-Mark-Recapture,
they
do
not
need
physical
recapture,
as
individuals
considered
recaptured
if
a
sample
contains
one
or
more
close
relatives.This
makes
based
on
genetically-identified
interesting
species
which
releasing
marked
animals
back
into
the
is
desirable
possible
(e.g.,
harvested
fish
game
species).However,
while
successfully
applied
commercially
important
species,
absence
lifehistory
data,
making
several
assumptions
unlikely
be
met
terrestrial
species.They
assume
only
generation
parents
juveniles
year,
than
two
generations
can
coexist
hunting
bags
long-lived
sampling
probability
same
each
individual,
an
assumption
violated
when
fecundity
and/or
survival
depend
sex
other
individual
traits.In
order
assess
usefulness
kin-based
sizes
we
simulated
pedigrees
different
with
contrasting
demographic
strategies
(wild
boar
red
deer),
four
compared
accuracy
precision
their
estimates.We
also
performed
sensitivity
analysis,
simulating
varying
characteristics
various
levels
harvesting
identify
optimal
conditions
applicability
method.We
showed
all
reached
required
effective
management
under
circumstances
(i.e.,
within
given
range
intensity),
being
robust
variation.Despite
potential
care
needed