Some Methods of Estimating the Parameters of the Leslie Matrix using Incomplete Population Data

Abstract

Methods of estimating some parameters or elements of a Leslie matrix when data for the modeled population are insufficient, particularly for the young year-classes, are developed. It is shown that the growth rate or dominant eigenvalue, as well as other eigenvalues of the matrix can be obtained and that estimates of the numbers in certain age-classes at future times can be predicted from incomplete data. Methods of dealing with cases where the given data are very restricted and results of computer simulations to test these methods are discussed. The methods are applied in estimating parameters for a population of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) inhabiting Lochaber Lake, Antigonish Co., Nova Scotia.Key words: yellow perch, Perca flavescens; Leslie matrix, population, simulation, modeling