Mitigating pseudoreplication and bias in resource selection functions with autocorrelation‐informed weighting

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 14(2), С. 643 - 654

Опубликована: Ноя. 20, 2022

Abstract Resource selection functions (RSFs) are among the most commonly used statistical tools in both basic and applied animal ecology. They typically parameterized using tracking data, advances technology have led to increasing levels of autocorrelation between locations such data sets. Because RSFs assume that independent identically distributed, can cause misleadingly narrow confidence intervals biased parameter estimates. Data thinning, generalized estimating equations step (SSFs) been suggested as techniques for mitigating problems posed by autocorrelation, but these approaches notable limitations include inefficiency, unclear or arbitrary targets adequate independence, constraints input (in case SSFs) scale‐dependent inference. To remedy problems, we introduce a method likelihood weighting mitigate negative consequences on RSFs. In this study, demonstrate weights each observed location an animal's movement track according its level non‐independence, expanding reducing bias arise when there missing track. Ecologists conservation biologists use improve quality inferences derived from We also provide complete, annotated analytical workflow help new users apply our their own ctmm R package.

Язык: Английский

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High‐Resolution GPS Tracking Data Reveal Inter‐Individual and Seasonal Variations in Habitat Selection Strategies by the Critically Endangered African White‐Backed Vulture Gyps africanus in the Hwange Ecosystem of Zimbabwe

African Journal of Ecology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 63(3)

Опубликована: Апрель 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Effective conservation of critically endangered species should be guided by empirical evidence on how they interact with the environment at multiple scales. Yet, such information is lacking for many as African White‐backed Vultures (AWbV) Gyps africanus . Habitat selection modelling a promising tool inferring habitat strategies to guide planning. This study investigated patterns AWbV differ in respect intrinsic individual traits and seasonality. To achieve this goal, six were captured attached solar‐powered Global Positioning Systems (GPS) tracking devices. GPS data then integrated biologically relevant environmental predictors. Two frameworks, namely binary logistic regression Ecological Niche Factor Analysis, fitted develop models three scales based pooled, seasonal data. Results indicate that reflect specialist tendencies, narrow ecological niche. Further, results reveal significant positive relationship between predicted presence human footprint index while consistent negative mammalian density was also uncovered. Complex but relationships uncovered other variables Normalised Difference Vegetation Index, mean daily temperature thermal uplift. from suggest response heterogeneity are season‐specific. therefore calls researchers disaggregate movement ecology may improve utility inform biodiversity

Язык: Английский

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Landscape context and behavioral clustering contribute to flexible habitat selection strategies in a large mammal

Mammal Research, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 69(3), С. 329 - 343

Опубликована: Июнь 3, 2024

Язык: Английский

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Functional responses of a medium-ranging marine predator highlight the importance of frontal zones as foraging locations

Marine Ecology Progress Series, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 740, С. 175 - 191

Опубликована: Июнь 11, 2024

The distribution of marine predators is linked to bio-physical processes that structure the spatio-temporal availability prey species. Within shelf seas, tidal fronts are highly productive regions occurring at interface between mixed and stratified waters. Fronts predictable but dynamic features, with their timing strength varying seasonally annually. frontal habitats will also vary animal populations depending on geographic location. Thus, understanding associations across a range environmental conditions assist management conservation. Here, we assessed functional responses breeding black-legged kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla covariates related (front strength, distance fronts, sea surface temperature [SST] chlorophyll concentration) from 10 UK colonies located throughout North Sea. Kittiwakes showed tendency forage in areas higher, not maximal, front when such were available. Areas closer (<10 km) selected available, though observed increased usage distant (30-50 km). tended cooler, waters, particularly as average SST rose. When concentrations low, habitat peaked higher chlorophyll. results highlight importance dynamic, non-linear nature seabird habitat. Accounting for changes play key role future conservation efforts, renewable installations climate change may influence water stratification patterns.

Язык: Английский

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Sitka black-tailed deer habitat selection in relation to logging and vegetation in a temperate rainforest

Forest Ecology and Management, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 568, С. 122134 - 122134

Опубликована: Июль 16, 2024

Timber harvest can have spatially and temporally varying effects on wildlife populations. To explore the response of Sitka black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) to commercial forestry we performed habitat selection analyses (HSAs) based data across 3 spatial scales (step selection, home range, study area) 4 seasons in relation logging-related covariates (logged areas roads) LiDAR-derived vegetation metrics (canopy understory cover).We deployed global positioning system (GPS) collars 61 female a coastal temperate rainforest (Prince Wales Island, Alaska, USA). Deer young (<30 year) old (≥30) logged stands was equivocal scales, though there tendency for avoid older at range scale. However, both within outside stands, avoided greater canopy cover selected with more understory. near logging roads that were open vehicle traffic neutral towards closed roads. Although variation individual patterns, overall population generally consistent scales. Our results suggest forest structure rather than status influential responded road (open or traffic). Forest management activities (timber restoration) promote reduce may increase by deer.

Язык: Английский

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Carnivore space use behaviors reveal variation in responses to human land modification

Movement Ecology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 12(1)

Опубликована: Июль 18, 2024

Abstract Background Spatial behavior, including home-ranging behaviors, habitat selection, and movement, can be extremely informative in estimating how animals respond to landscape heterogeneity. Responses these spatial behaviors features such as human land modification resources highlight a species’ strategy maximize fitness minimize mortality. These strategies vary on spatial, temporal, individual scales, the combination of scales lead very different among species. Methods Harnessing variation present at we characterized species may stimuli their environments ranging from broad- fine-scale responses environment. Using 15 bobcat-years 31 coyote-years GPS data individuals inhabiting encompassing range modification, evaluated complexity both through home size, functional response accounting for annual, seasonal, diel variation. Results Bobcats coyotes used ranges, with bobcats broadly expanding increases displaying temporal consistency selection across season time day. Meanwhile, did not expand ranges increased but instead demonstrated that sometimes varied by day season, paired behaviors. Conclusions differences habitat, resources, between two highlighted use exist anthropogenic environments. Categorizing animal behavior based spatiotemporal help predicting will future change current behavior.

Язык: Английский

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Seasonal Habitat Selection by American White Pelicans

Diversity, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 14(10), С. 821 - 821

Опубликована: Сен. 30, 2022

Resource utilization strategies of avian migrants are a major concern for conservation and management. Understanding seasonal habitat selection by migratory birds helps us explain the ongoing continental declines bird populations. Our objective was to compare second-order third-order American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos; hereafter pelican) between breeding non-breeding grounds. We tested Lack hypothesis that is stronger on grounds than used random-effect Dirichlet-multinomial models estimate seasons with GPS locations 32 tracked pelicans. Gaussian Markov random field pelicans at grounds, accounting spatial autocorrelation. Pelicans strongly selected waterbodies wetlands both tracking their foraging habitats home range level. However, exhibited differences in strength being supporting hypothesis.

Язык: Английский

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Using a novel framework of animal space-use behaviors reveals a gradient of responses to human modification

Authorea (Authorea), Год журнала: 2023, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Фев. 3, 2023

Spatial behavior, including home-ranging behaviors, habitat selection, and movement, can be extremely informative in estimating how animals respond to landscape heterogeneity. Responses these spatial behaviors factors such as human modification resources on the highlight a species’ strategy maximize fitness minimize risk. These strategies vary spatial, temporal, individual scales, combination of scales lead very different among species. Harnessing variation present at we developed framework for predicting species may changes their environments gradient ranging from generic, where exhibits broad-stroke responses environment, nuanced, which uses temporal paired with functional selection behaviors. Using 46 GPS-tracked bobcats coyotes inhabiting encompassing range modification, evaluated each falls along generic-to-nuanced gradient. Bobcats studied occupied opposite ends this gradient, using response home ranges, broadly expanding increases clearly selecting or avoiding features consistency. Meanwhile, did not expand ranges but instead displayed adjustments modification. differences habitat, resources, risk between two highlighted use exist anthropogenic influenced by interspecific behavioral plasticity. Categorizing animal behavior based help will future change current behavior.

Язык: Английский

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Evidence of colony- and individual-level variation in habitat usage of Atlantic Puffins (Fratercula arctica)

Marine Biology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 171(10)

Опубликована: Сен. 3, 2024

Язык: Английский

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