This excel workbook uses the Leslie matrix model for population projection of age-class structured populations, and also allows Lefkovitch matrix models for stage-class structured populations. The user enters age or stage specific fecundity and survival rates as well as the population’s initial proportions. The workbook calculates the matrix with corresponding eigenvalues for finite growth rate and eigenvectors for stable age/stage distribution and reproductive value. The graphical output included illustrates the stabilization of population structure, reproductive values and the finite rate of increase. It also includes exponential growth curves and semi-log plots of the population growth. The user can view population projections for four actual datasets.

Leslie Matrix Model

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Vandermeer, J H.; Goldberg, D E. (2003) Population Ecology: First Principles. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Krebs, C J (ed) (1994) Ecology. 4th Edition. New York: HarperCollings College Publishers.

Donovan, T M.; Welden, C W. (2002) Spreadsheet Exercises in Ecology and Evolution. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates, Inc.

Chandler GT, Cary TL, Bejarano AC, Pender J, Ferry JL. 2004 Population consequences of fipronil and degradates to copepods at field concentrations: an integration of life cycle testing with leslie matrix population modeling. Environmental Science Technology 38: 6407-14.

Yearsley JM, 2004 Transient population dynamics and short-term sensitivity analysis of matrix population models. Ecological Modelling 177: 245-258.

Donovan, T M.; Welden, C W. (2002) Spreadsheet Exercises in Ecology and Evolution. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates, Inc.

Leslie Matrix Models by Kent Holsinger

The Leslie Matrix by David Arnold and Kevin Yokoyama