Ecologists use spatial capture–recapture (SCR) models to study whole animal populations and movement models to study how individual animals behave. Even though individual movement shapes population patterns, these two approaches have mostly been developed separately. Movement models usually focus only on individuals, while SCR models focus on populations but simplify how animals move. The authors argue that combining these two methods could help scientists better connect individual behavior to population-level trends. This integration could also reduce errors in estimating population size and density, which is important for conservation and management. The paper reviews recent progress, explains a framework for linking the two approaches, and points out key challenges and future research directions.
Authors: Brett T. McClintock, Briana Abrahms, Richard B. Chandler, Paul B. Conn, Sarah J. Converse, Robert L. Emmet, Beth Gardner, Nathan J. Hostetter, Devin S. Johnson
Journal: Ecology
DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3473
Photo credit: Dr. Dee Boersma
