State-space models to describe survival of an endemic species in the Little Tennessee River basin

Endemic species are threatened by invasive species, habitat loss, and climate change. also an important group that maintains biodiversity. Understanding population dynamics of endemic is needed to maintain or restore their populations. Advancements in models describe conservation need has been made possible the application novel quantitative methods. One such modeling tool state-space modeling. These provide a flexible framework using simple mortality more complex integrated models. Here we develop model survival size Sicklefin Redhorse (Catostomidae: Moxostoma sp.), concern from two rivers located North Carolina, USA. This structured combine information across similar account for interactions sex, time, variable sampling effort, river discharge. Survival was found vary annual variability not consistent rivers. Discharge negatively related capture probability males. Capture probabilities differed sex. Population estimates revealed large difference between sex where males outnumbered females each year both We conclude electrofishing efficient method but when used, should consider included model, however, 3 years with lowest Little Tennessee River coincided three discharge time series. Future work investigate