State transition matrix for a multistate model in a multisite Integrated Population Model
Description
The following transition matrix corresponds to the formulation of a multistate model for estimating survival, permanent emigration, and movement probability between three sites. Briefly, we had 37 observed states, denoting three sites (Catalonia, Aragon, or Valencian Community), age (1-year-old, 2-year-old, 3-year-old, and ≥4-year-old), mark status (seen with both wing tag and plastic band, wing tag only, or plastic band only), and recovery of dead individuals. We estimated site-specific probabilities of non-adult (Sna: 1- to 3-year-old) and adult (Sad: ≥4-year-old) true survival, non-adult (Ena) and adult (Ead) permanent emigration from the study area, and non-adult (ψna) and subadult/adult (ψad) movements between sites. A common probability (i.e., without site distinction) for wing tag loss, plastic band loss, and recovery was estimated as the marks were made of the same materials and recoveries were conducted anywhere (inside and outside of the study area). Recapture probabilities were estimated as site-specific without age distinction and using Pradel and Sanz-Aguilar (2012) transition matrix to estimate recapture probabilities for previously and not-previously captured individuals. This matrix was used for Chapter 3 of my PhD thesis titled Multisite Integrated Population Model Reveals Contrasting Vital Rates Contributions on Population Dynamics of a Highly Mobile Species. PhD thesis: From Local to Regional: Demographic and Population Dynamics of a Long-lived Scavenger Species in a Changing Environment.