Assessing factors influencing the space use of a woodland caribou Rangifer tarandus caribou population using an individual-based model
Authored by Juha M Metsaranta
Date Published: 2008
DOI: 10.2981/0909-6396-14.4.478
Sponsors:
Manitoba Hydro
Tolko Industries
Manitoba Conservation
Platforms:
Microsoft Visual Basic
Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Mathematical description
Model Code URLs:
Model code not found
Abstract
Similar to earlier studies, a population of woodland caribou Rangifer
tarandus caribou in west-central Manitoba, Canada, showed preference for
mature coniferous forests and fidelity to seasonal home ranges. However, because preferred forest types were common in the study area, these
findings could not determine what would happen if these home ranges were
disturbed because the relative importance of preference for these forest
types and home-range fidelity in determining the space use of this
Population was not known. This question was explored using an
individual-based space-use model that incorporates a random movement
component, a habitat value function that considers these two factors
individually or together, and a decision optimisation component. Four
possible forms of the model were used to conduct Monte-Carlo simulations
of space-use patterns, which were compared to true range-use patterns
over an annual cycle. True range use could not be simulated without
including a home-range fidelity factor in the model. This Suggests that
there is some factor about the selected home ranges that is not
quantified by the forest type which is currently present that causes
animals in this population to show fidelity to them. The explanation
most consistent with the general understanding of the factors limiting
this species is that these home ranges are refuges from predation. This
suggests that the appropriate conservation action is to protect these
ranges from disturbance unless the animals themselves demonstrate the
presence of other suitable areas by dispersing to them.
Tags
Dynamics
movements
Habitat-selection
Site fidelity
Resource selection functions
Multiple spatial scales
British-columbia
Northeastern alberta
Range
Wolf-deer
interactions