Estimation of survival rates and population size from mark-recapture experiments of bait-caught haematophagous insects

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Abstract
A method of calculating survival rates and population size from mark-recapture experiments for bait-caught haematophagous insects is presented. The method fits the data to a series of simultaneous equations. This procedure is not affected by the cyclical nature of the recapture rate experienced in this type of experiment. Methods are presented which allow estimates of the confidence limits on the estimated parameters. Unlike earlier methods based upon a regression analysis of the log (number recaptured), this method allows estimates of the population size in addition to the survival and length of the feeding cycle of the mosquitoes. The methods have been applied to data collected in Papua New Guinea and give estimates of the total number of Anopheles feeding per night in different villages ranging from 3000 to 46 000.