Opening of registration period for

Date: October 14th – 18th, 2024

Location: Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA), CSIC-UIB, Esporles, Spain (Mallorca)

Registration Deadline: April 30th, 2024.

Integrated Population Models (IPMs) represent the powerful combination, typically around a single matrix population model, of multiple data sources that are informative about the dynamics of an animal population. Typical IPMs combine one or more time-series of counts with other datasets that are directly informative about survival probabilities, such as ring-recovery or capture-recapture, or about productivity, such as nest survey data. However, many other sources of demographic information may be envisioned instead or in addition, including age-at-death data, radio tracking data, occupancy or replicated point count data. For non-statisticians, the only practical manner to develop and fit IPMs is by using BUGS software (JAGS and Nimble). This course is a practical and hands-on introduction to developing and fitting integrated population models. It is based on the new book by Schaub & Kéry, Integrated Population Models (Academic Press, 2022). Beyond IPMs, the course also provides a broad introduction for ecologists and wildlife managers to a wide variety of models fit using the software BUGS.

Instructors

• Michael Schaub (Population Biology Research Unit, Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland)
• Marc Kéry (Population Biology Research Unit, Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland)
• Giacomo Tavecchia (Animal Demography and Ecology Unit, IMEDEA, CSIC-UIB, Esporles, Spain)

Contents

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 GLMs and traditional random-effects models

2. Ingredients of Integrated Population Models: State-space models for time-series of counts, 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, State-space models for time-series of counts, Cormack-Jolly-Seber models for estimating survival probabilities, Multistate capture-recapture models for estimating survival and transition probabilities, Integrated Population Models (IPMs):

• Bring your own laptop with the latest R and JAGS updates.
• Registration: €500, €300 for students (Master and PhD).

In this intermediate-level workshop, approximately 80% of the time is spent on lecturing and 20% 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 the R program is required. Moreover, a basic understanding of capture-recapture and/or occupancy models is highly desirable.

Send your application to Michael Schaub (michael.schaub@vogelwarte.ch), with a copy to Marc Kéry (marc.kery@vogelwarte.ch), describing your background and knowledge in statistical modeling, R, and JAGS/Nimble, and capture-recapture, by the registration deadline on April 30th, 2024. Workshop invitations will be sent out immediately afterward.