The model is currently set to return only estimates for 'Ntot' - the entire population including all non-breeders and immatures. Previously, we monitored only 'Ntot.breed', the breeding population, because that can also be observed by data (and thus allows for reassurance that the model replicates observed trends). Convergence may improve monitoring one or the other parameter. Reporting 'Ntot' will also provide a unique selling point for a paper, as it includes an invisible portion of the population, and may for example show that the total population is declining despite the breeding population being stable, due to the severe time lag effect of young birds recruiting only after decades.
The model is currently set to return only estimates for 'Ntot' - the entire population including all non-breeders and immatures. Previously, we monitored only 'Ntot.breed', the breeding population, because that can also be observed by data (and thus allows for reassurance that the model replicates observed trends). Convergence may improve monitoring one or the other parameter. Reporting 'Ntot' will also provide a unique selling point for a paper, as it includes an invisible portion of the population, and may for example show that the total population is declining despite the breeding population being stable, due to the severe time lag effect of young birds recruiting only after decades.