How territoriality and sociality influence the habitat selection and movements of a large carnivore

Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 14(4)

Опубликована: Апрель 1, 2024

While territoriality is one of the key mechanisms influencing carnivore space use, most studies quantify resource selection and movement in absence conspecific influence or territorial structure. Our analysis incorporated social information a framework to investigate intra-specific competition on habitat large, carnivore. We fit integrated step functions 3-h GPS data from 12 collared African wild dog packs Okavango Delta estimated coefficients using conditional Poisson likelihood with random effects. Packs selected for their neighbors' 30-day boundary (defined as 95% kernel density estimate)

Язык: Английский

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Simulating animal space use from fitted integrated Step‐Selection Functions (iSSF)

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 15(1), С. 43 - 50

Опубликована: Дек. 8, 2023

Abstract A standing challenge in the study of animal movement ecology is capacity to predict where and when an individual might occur on landscape, so‐called, utilisation distribution (UD). Under certain assumptions, steady‐state UD can be predicted from a fitted exponential habitat selection function. However, these assumptions are rarely met. Furthermore, there many applications that require estimation transient dynamics rather than UDs (e.g. modelling migration or dispersal). Thus, clear need for computational tools capable predicting based observed data. Integrated Step‐Selection Analyses (iSSAs), which integrates into analyses, widely used wild animals, result fully parametrised individual‐based model movement, we refer as integrated Step Selection Function (iSSF). An iSSF generate stochastic paths random draws series Markovian redistribution kernels, each consisting selection‐free, but possibly habitat‐influenced, kernel movement‐free The approximated by sufficiently large set such paths. Here, present functions R facilitate simulation space use iSSFs. Our goal provide general purpose simulator easy part existing workflow iSSAs (within amt package). We demonstrate through how address variety questions applied ecology. By providing coded examples, hope encourage ecologists using iSSFs explore their predictions goodness‐of‐fit simulations, further mechanistic approaches landscape connectivity.

Язык: Английский

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Using lineups to evaluate goodness of fit of animal movement models

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 15(6), С. 1048 - 1059

Опубликована: Май 12, 2024

Abstract Movement models are frequently fit to animal location data understand how individuals respond and interact with local environmental features. Several open‐source software packages available for analysing movements can facilitate parameter estimation, yet there relatively few methods evaluating model goodness of fit. We describe a simple graphical technique, the lineup protocol , be used evaluate integrated step‐selection analyses hidden Markov models, but method applied much more broadly. leverage ability simulate from fitted demonstrate approach using both an analysis fisher ( Pekania pennanti ) data. A variety responses movement metrics tailored focus on specific assumptions or features that primary interest. Although it is possible statistical significance formal hypothesis test, also in exploratory fashion (e.g. explore variability behaviour across stochastic simulations identify areas where could improved). provide coded examples vignettes flexibility approach. encourage ecologists consider their will when choosing appropriate

Язык: Английский

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Rethinking connectivity modeling for high-mobility ungulates: insights from a globally endangered equid

Landscape Ecology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 39(3)

Опубликована: Март 12, 2024

Abstract Context Maintaining connectivity is crucial for wildlife conservation in human-occupied landscapes. Structural modeling (SCM) attempts to quantify the degree which physical features facilitate or impede movement of individuals and has been widely used identify corridors, but its accuracy rarely validated against empirical data. Objectives We evaluated SCM’s ability suitable habitat corridors onagers ( Equus hemionus onager ) through a comparison with functional (i.e., actual individuals) using satellite tracking Methods MaxEnt predict three SCM approaches: circuit theory, factorial least cost path, landscape approaches corridors. The performance was independently collected GPS telemetry Results Onagers selected water sources dense vegetation while avoiding areas grazed intensely by livestock. SCMs identified similar were interrupted roads, affecting major high-flow overlapped about 21%. Conclusion Movement derived from did not align locations intensity model. This finding suggests that might have tendency overestimate resistance low suitability. Therefore, may adequately capture individual decisions selection movement. To protect linking habitat, data on data) can be coupled better understand movements populations as consequence features.

Язык: Английский

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Simulating animal space use from fitted integrated Step-Selection Functions (iSSF)

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Год журнала: 2023, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Авг. 14, 2023

Abstract A standing challenge in the study of animal movement ecology is capacity to predict where and when an individual might occur on landscape, so-called, Utilization Distribution (UD). Under certain assumptions, steady-state UD can be predicted from a fitted exponential habitat selection function. However, these assumptions are rarely met. Furthermore, there many applications that require estimation transient dynamics rather than UDs (e.g. modeling migration or dispersal). Thus, clear need for computational tools capable predicting based observed data. Integrated Step-Selection Analyses (iSSAs) widely used wild animals, result fully parametrized individual-based model movement, which we refer as integrated Step Selection Function (iSSF). An iSSF generate stochastic paths random draws series Markovian redistribution kernels, each consisting selection-free, but possibly habitat-influenced, kernel movement-free The approximated by sufficiently large set such paths. Here, present functions R facilitate simulation space use iSSFs. Our goal provide general purpose simulator easy part existing workflow iSSAs (within amt package). We demonstrate through how address variety questions applied ecology. By providing coded examples, hope encourage ecologists using iSSFs explore their predictions goodness-of-fit simulations, further mechanistic approaches landscape connectivity.

Язык: Английский

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Methods for implementing integrated step-selection functions with incomplete data

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

Опубликована: Май 9, 2024

Abstract Integrated step-selection analyses (iSSAs) are versatile and powerful frameworks for studying habitat movement preferences of tracked animals. iSSAs utilize integrated functions (iSSFs) to model movements in discrete time, thus, require animal location data that regularly spaced time. However, many real-world datasets incomplete due tracking devices failing locate an individual at one or more scheduled times, leading slight irregularities the duration between consecutive locations. To address this issue, researchers typically only consider bursts regular (i.e., sequences locations equally time), thereby reducing number observations used selection. We reassess practice explore four alternative approaches account temporal irregularity resulting from missing data. Using a simulation study, we compare these alternatives baseline approach where is ignored demonstrate potential improvements performance can be gained by leveraging additional also showcase benefits using case study on spotted hyena ( Crocuta crocuta ).

Язык: Английский

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Identifying signals of memory from observations of animal movements

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

Опубликована: Ноя. 18, 2024

Abstract Incorporating memory (i.e., some notion of familiarity or experience with the landscape) into models animal movement is a rising challenge in field ecology. The recent proliferation new methods offers opportunities to understand how influences movement. However, there are no clear guidelines for practitioners wishing parameterize effects on moving animals. We review approaches incorporating step-selection analyses (SSAs), frequently used modeling framework. Memory-informed SSAs can be constructed by including spatial-temporal covariates (or maps) that define aspect (e.g., whether, often, long ago visited different spatial locations) derived from long-term telemetry data. demonstrate various included using series coded examples which we fit wildlife tracking data wide range taxa. discuss these address questions related whether and animals use information past experiences inform their future movements. also highlight challenges decisions user must make when applying By reviewing providing code templates implementation, hope inspire investigate further importance movements

Язык: Английский

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Identifying signals of memory from observations of animal movements

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Год журнала: 2023, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Авг. 17, 2023

Abstract Incorporating memory (i.e., some notion of familiarity or experience with the landscape) into models animal movement is a rising challenge in field ecology. The recent proliferation new methods offers opportunities to understand how influences movement. However, there are no clear guidelines for practitioners wishing parameterize effects on moving animals. We review approaches incorporating Step-Selection Analyses (SSAs), frequently used modeling framework. Memory-informed SSAs can be constructed by including spatial-temporal covariates (or maps) that define aspect (e.g., whether, often, long ago visited different spatial locations) derived from long-term telemetry data. demonstrate various included using series coded examples which we fit wildlife tracking data wide range taxa. discuss these address questions related whether and animals use information past experiences inform their future movements. also highlight challenges decisions user must make when applying By reviewing providing code templates implementation, hope inspire investigate further importance movements

Язык: Английский

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Simulating animal movement trajectories from temporally dynamic step selection functions

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Март 21, 2024

Abstract Understanding and predicting animal movement is fundamental to ecology conservation management. Models that estimate then predict habitat selection parameters underpin diverse applications, from mitigating invasive species spread enhancing landscape connectivity. However, many predictive models overlook fine-scale temporal dynamics within their predictions, despite animals often displaying behavioural variability might significantly alter movement, distribution over time. Incorporating dynamics, such as circadian rhythms, reduce the averaging out of behaviours, thereby our ability make predictions in both short long term. We tested whether inclusion improved (hourly) long-term (seasonal) spatial for a significant Northern Australia, water buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis ). Water require intensive management actions vast, remote areas display distinct rhythms linked use. To inform operations we generated hourly dry season prediction maps by simulating trajectories static temporally dynamic step functions (SSFs) were fitted GPS data 13 buffalo. found simulations replicated buffalo’s crepuscular patterns selection, resulting more informative accurate predictions. Additionally, when aggregated into better able highlight concentrated use indicate high-risk environmental damage. Our findings emphasise importance incorporating with clear patterns. By integrating processes trajectories, demonstrate an approach can enhance strategies deepen understanding ecological across multiple timescales.

Язык: Английский

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Experimental modification of African wild dog movement and behavior using translocated conspecific scent

Biological Conservation, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 294, С. 110645 - 110645

Опубликована: Май 27, 2024

Human-wildlife conflict poses a significant risk to wide-ranging carnivore populations worldwide. Management techniques that promote localized, spatial separation and reduce between humans wildlife are key conservation. However, there is lack of experimentally-verified deterrent methods for maintaining wildlife. Manipulating animal movement by co-opting behavioral mechanisms, such as mimicking conspecific interactions or creating landscapes fear, offer promising, theory-driven solutions managing For territorial carnivores in particular, researchers have successfully altered behavior animals using translocated scent empirical experiments, yet most did not consider management implications. Here we experimentally tested the impact on behavior, movement, space use 5 African wild dog packs Okavango Delta, Botswana, investigate whether can be used conservation tool. This three-month experiment included simultaneous exposure all both experimental control treatments. Packs were more likely find behaviorally respond than scent. While treated areas compared controls, they reduced distance traveled beyond their territories 21.1 % average (95 confidence interval: 8.5 33.7 %, p-value = 0.0327), suggesting acts finer-scale attractant but larger-scale deterrent. Additionally, had consistently directed movements through (Pearson's r 0.81). Our results suggest manipulating potential method extra-territorial forays into, settlement within, human-dominated where may occur. We argue targeted during certain times year manage specific behaviors, den-site selection dispersers, could an effective, non-lethal deterrence strategy dogs, with other species.

Язык: Английский

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