The Estimation of the Size of a Stratified Animal Population

Abstract

The estimation of the size of an animal population is considered fora situation where the population is stratified and only partial mixingtakes place between strata. A consistent estimate is found and itsvariance determined. It is shown that estimates previously givenor frequently used in this situation are not necessarily consistentand, in fact, may be meaningless. Conditions for their consistencyare determined. Some further statistical problems in estimating theinterstrata migration are discussed.