| WRL reference | M02 D01 | |
| Module | M02 Survey Techniques | |
| Data Set | D01 Population estimates of Hog Island Boa Constrictors | |
| Research questions | 1. Using the mark recapture data provided, estimate the population size of Boa constrictor on Cayo Menor.
2. By how much do the estimates produced using the 2 year dataset and 3 year data set differ and what might this tell us about the possible benefits of using multiple years of data when conducting population estimates? |
|
| Keywords | Endemism; biodiversity hotspots; isolation; conservation; human impact; mark-recapture; sampling; survey techniques | |
| Potential Curriculum links | AP Biology | 2.D.3, 4.B.3, 4.B.4 |
| AP Env Sci | III Population A | |
| IB Biology | C.2, C.5 | |
| IB Ess | 2.3.2, 2.6.7 | |
| AQA | 3.4.6, 3.4.7, 3.7.4, MS, AT, PS | |
| edexcel | A – 4.3, 4.16, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, B – 10.1, 10.3, 10.4 Maths A | |
| OCR | A – 4.2.1, 6.3.1, 6.3.2, – M, PAG, HSW | |
| SQA | FH2J 3 (b) (c) (i) (ii) (iii) (iv), HOAL 1(b) (c) (d) (e) | |
| CCEA | 2.2.4, 4.4.3, 4.4.6 | |
| WJEC | C1-5, C2 -1, App B, Pract.req. | |
| Summary | The population of Hog Island Boa Constrictors (located in the Caribbean Sea) are estimated using mark-recapture techniques. The data is analysed using two different methods and the differing results compared and discussed. This study is an excellent example of how populations of animals can be estimated. It also allows a discussion to develop about the impacts of humans on island populations of animals and how scientific data can support conservation management programmes. Difficulty: Research Q1 – Lincoln Peterson method 6/10 Research Q2 – Comparing methods (Schnabel method) 8/10 |
|
