MATRIX POPULATION-MODEL WITH DENSITY-DEPENDENT RECRUITMENT FOR ASSESSMENT OF AGE-STRUCTURED WILDLIFE POPULATIONS

A logistic density-dependent matrix model is developed in which the ma trices contain only parameters and recruitment is a function of adult population density. The model was applied to simulate introductions of white-tailed deer into an area; the fitted model predicted a carrying capacity of 215 deer, which was close to the observed carrying capaci ty of 220 deer. The rate of population increase depends on the dominan t eigenvalue of the Leslie matrix, and the age structure of the simula ted population approaches a stable age distribution at the carrying ca pacity, which was similar to that generated by the Leslie matrix. The logistic equation has been applied to study many phenomena, and the ma trix model can be applied to these same processes. For example, random variation can be added to life history parameters, and population abu ndances generated with random effects on fecundity show both the affec t of annual variation in fecundity and a longer-term pattern resulting from the age structure. (C) 1997 Society for Mathematical Biology.