Boundary nature induces greater group size and group density in habitat edges: an agent-based model revealed

Authored by Shiro Horiuchi, Hiroyuki Takasaki

Date Published: 2012-01

DOI: 10.1007/s10144-011-0279-0

Sponsors: Yakumo Foundation for Environmental Science

Platforms: Java

Model Documentation: Other Narrative

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

Apart from the amount and distribution of food resources and predation pressure, we sought to clarify habitat spatial features that affect group size and group density. To simulate animal groups interacting with one another, we made an agent-based model in a computational space. Assuming no predation pressure, we change the resource conditions between the habitat (comprising `interior' and `edges') and the `exterior'. The results are as follows: when the group density is high throughout the habitat, large groups tend to frequent the edges (i.e., the boundaries between the interior and exterior) even if food resources are scarce in the exterior. Additionally, when the group density is high and the group size variation is small, both group size and group density increase at the edges. These findings are discussed with reference to primates, particularly the Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata) as an example of group-living animal.

Tags

Computer simulation Primates Inter-group competition Spatial structure