Data from: Applying the multistate capture-recapture robust design to characterize metapopulation structure

1. Population structure must be considered when developing mark-recapture
(MR) study designs as the sampling of individuals from multiple
populations (or subpopulations) may increase heterogeneity in individual
capture probability. Conversely, the use of an appropriate MR study design
which accommodates heterogeneity associated with capture-occasion varying
covariates due to animals moving between ‘states’ (i.e. geographic sites)
can provide insight into how animals are distributed in a particular
environment and the status and connectivity of subpopulations. 2. The
Multistate Closed Robust Design was chosen to investigate: 1) the
demographic parameters of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops
aduncus) subpopulations in coastal and estuarine waters of Perth, Western
Australia; and 2) how they are related to each other in a metapopulation.
Using four years of year-round photo-identification surveys across three
geographic sites, we accounted for heterogeneity of capture probability
based on how individuals distributed themselves across geographic sites
and characterized the status of subpopulations based on their abundance,
survival and interconnection. 3. MSCRD models highlighted high
heterogeneity in capture probabilities and demographic parameters between
sites. High capture probabilities, high survival and constant abundances
described a subpopulation with high fidelity in an estuary. In contrast,
low captures, permanent and temporary emigration and fluctuating
abundances suggested transient use and low fidelity in an open coastline
site. 4. Estimates of transition probabilities also varied between sites,
with estuarine dolphins visiting sheltered coastal embayments more
regularly than coastal dolphins visited the estuary, highlighting some
dynamics within the metapopulation. 6. Synthesis and applications. To
date, bottlenose dolphin studies using mark-recapture approach have
focussed on investigating single subpopulations. Here, in a heterogeneous
coastal-estuarine environment, we demonstrated that spatially structured
bottlenose dolphin subpopulations contained distinct suites of individuals
and differed in size, demographics and connectivity. Such insights into
the dynamics of a metapopulation can assist in local-scale species
conservation. The MSCRD approach is applicable to species/populations
consisting of recognizable individuals and is particularly useful for
characterizing wildlife subpopulations that vary in their vulnerability to
human activities, climate change or invasive species.