A Contribution to the Theory Behind the M0 Capture-Recapture Model: An Improved Estimator

TL;DR

This paper introduces an improved estimator for the M0 capture-recapture model using a Rao-Blackwellization approach, enhancing estimation efficiency based on sufficient statistics, supported by simulation results.

Contribution

It presents a novel Rao-Blackwellized estimator for the M0 model, improving estimation accuracy over traditional methods.

Findings

The improved estimator is more efficient than existing estimators.

Simulation results demonstrate the estimator's superior performance.

The R code implementation facilitates practical application.

Abstract

We explore the use of a sufficient statistic based on the identified members that are obtained for samples that are selected under the $M_0$ capture-recapture closed population model (Schwarz and Seber, 1999). A Rao-Blackwellized version of the estimator based on a sufficient statistic is then presented. We explore the efficiency of the improved estimator via a simulation study. The R code for the simulation is provided in the appendix.