Australian rangelands as complex adaptive systems: A conceptual model and preliminary results
Authored by J. E. Gross, R. R. J. McAllister, N. Abel, D. M. Stafford Smith, Y. Maru
Date Published: 2006-09
DOI: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2005.04.024
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Abstract
Models to support decisions on rangeland policy must address the close links between ecological, economic, and social processes, and the adaptation of participants through time. We used an agent-based modeling approach to implement a parsimonious conceptual model of rangelands that included biophysical processes central to the functioning of rangelands, commercial enterprises, and institutions. The model operated on a monthly time step, and used economic and biophysical conditions to stimulate changes in management policies and learning. Our simple model reproduced the general patterns of forage growth and livestock dynamics in north-east Australia, and results illustrate consequences of interactions between environmental heterogeneity and learning rate. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Tags
Agent-based modelling
Social-Ecological System
complex adaptive system
Savanna
rangelands