Sampling Animal Populations

This lesson covers: 

  1. Why quadrats cannot effectively measure animal abundance
  2. The steps involved in the mark-release-recapture technique
  3. How to calculate population size using the Lincoln index
  4. Assumptions made when using the mark-release-recapture technique

Quadrats have limitations for measuring animal abundance

Quadrats are commonly used to estimate plant abundance and distribution.


However, they have limitations when measuring animal populations:

  • Most animals are mobile and do not remain in a fixed area making them difficult to sample accurately.
  • Slow moving animals could be counted but fast moving animals may be missed.
  • Sampling with a quadrat may not give a representative sample as individuals move in and out.


Exceptions where quadrats can be used to sample animals:

  • With very slow-moving animals like barnacles and mussels that are attached to one spot.
  • Where animals are dense and remain within a defined territory.


But for most animal populations, different methods are needed.

The mark-release-recapture technique

The mark-release-recapture technique is commonly used to estimate the size of animal populations.


Steps in using the mark-release-recapture technique:

  1. Capture a sample of individuals from the target population in a defined area.
  2. Mark or tag each captured individual in some way (e.g. paint dots on them).
  3. Release the marked individuals back into the original habitat.
  4. Allow time for marked individuals to mix evenly throughout the population.
  5. Recapture another sample in the same area.
  6. Record the numbers of marked and unmarked individuals in this second sample.
  7. Use a mathematical formula to estimate the total population size.

Using the Lincoln index to estimate population size

The Lincoln index formula can be used to estimate total population size based on the recapture data.


The Lincoln index formula is:

estimated population size =number of recaptured marked individualstotal individuals in first sample × total individuals in second sample​


Note: You don't need to learn the Lincoln index formula, it will be provided in your exams. 

Worked example - Using the Lincoln index to estimate population size

In a habitat, 10 deer were originally captured, marked, and released. Later, 12 deer were captured including 2 marked ones.


Use the Lincoln index formula to estimate the total population size.


Step 1: Equation

estimated population size =number of recaptured marked individualstotal individuals in first sample × total individuals in second sample​


Step 2: Substitution and correct evaluation

estimated population size =210×12​

estimated population size =60 deer

Assumptions of the mark-release-recapture technique

There are some key assumptions that we make when we use the mark-release-recapture technique. If these assumptions are not met, the resulting population estimate may not be accurate.


Assumptions of the mark-release-recapture technique:

  • The marked individuals distribute evenly among the rest of the population.
  • The population remains constant with no significant immigration, emigration, births, or deaths.
  • The population has a definite boundary.
  • The marks are non-toxic and don't increase predation rates or change behaviour.
  • The marks are permanent and cannot be lost.