Integrated population mod. workshop | Las Cruces, Nov 2019

[Michael Schaub]

Intermediate-level workshop
Bayesian integrated population modelling (IPM) using JAGS

Instructors:
Fitsum Abadi Gebreselassie, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces NM, USA
Date: 4 – 8 November 2019
Venue: New Mexico State University, Las Cruces
Computers: Bring your own laptop with latest R and JAGS

Integrated population models (IPMs) represent the powerful combination, in a single Leslie-type of model, of multiple data sources that are informative about the dynamics of an animal population (Besbeas et al. 2002; Schaub et al. 2007). Typical IPMs combine one or more time-series of counts with another data set that is directly informative about survival probabilities, such as ring-recovery or capture-recapture. However, many other sources of demographic information may be envisioned instead or in addition, including age-at-death data, occupancy or replicated point count data. Currently, for non-statisticians the only practical manner to develop and fit IPMs is by using BUGS software (JAGS, WinBUGS, OpenBUGS).
This course is a practical and hands-on introduction to developing and fitting integrated population models using BUGS software.
Beyond IPMs, the course also provides an in-depth introduction for ecologists and wildlife managers to a wide variety of models fit using BUGS software and as documented in the BPA book.

Contents include the following topics:
1. Basic introduction:
• Hierarchical models as an overarching theme of population modelling, including IPMs
• Bayesian analysis of hierarchical models
• Introduction to BUGS software in the context of generalised linear models (GLM) and traditional random-effects models
2. Ingredients of Integrated Population Models:
• State-space models
• Cormack-Jolly-Seber models for estimating survival probabilities
• Multistate capture-recapture models for estimating survival and transition probabilities
3. Integrated Population Models (IPMs)
• Introduction to matrix population models and their analysis with BUGS
• Theory of integrated population models
• Various case studies which differ in complexity and in the data types that are combined

In this intermediate-level workshop about 3/4 of the time is spent on lecturing and 1/4 on solving exercises. No previous experience with BUGS software, or Bayesian statistics, is assumed. However, a good working knowledge of modern regression methods (linear models, GLMs) and of program R is required. Moreover, a basic understanding of capture-recapture and/or occupancy models is desirable.

To apply, send an e-mail to the instructor.