Agent-based simulation of Muscovy duck movements using observed habitat transition and distance frequencies

Authored by James H Anderson, Joni A Downs, Rebecca Loraamm, Steven Reader

Date Published: 2017

DOI: 10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2016.09.002

Sponsors: No sponsors listed

Platforms: No platforms listed

Model Documentation: Other Narrative Flow charts Pseudocode

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

This paper presents an agent based model simulating animal tracking datasets for individual animals based on observed habitat use characteristics, movement behaviours and environmental context. The model is presented as an alternative simulation methodology for movement trajectories for animal agents, useful in home range, habitat use and animal interaction studies. The model was implemented in NetLogo 5.1.0 using observed behavioural data for the Muscovy duck, obtained in a previous study. Four test scenarios were completed to evaluate the fidelity of model results to behavioural patterns observed in the field. Result. suggest the model framework illustrated in this paper provides an effective alternative to traditional animal movement simulation methods such as correlated random walks. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tags

Agent based model Animal movement population patterns Yellowstone Correlated random-walk Telemetry Home range analysis Muscovy duck Home-range estimation Null model approach Dynamic interaction Selection functions