Evaluating coyote management strategies using a spatially explicit, individual-based, socially structured population model
Authored by Mary M Conner, Michael R Ebinger, Frederick F Knowlton
Date Published: 2008
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2008.09.008
Sponsors:
No sponsors listed
Platforms:
Swarm
IDL
Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Flow charts
Mathematical description
Model Code URLs:
Model code not found
Abstract
Managing canid predation on livestock is the leading challenge facing
canid conservation worldwide. However, removing canids, and coyotes in
particular, to reduce livestock predation is environmentally and
socially controversial. In addition, it can be expensive and
logistically difficult to field evaluate the myriad of potential
selective, spatial, and temporal canid management strategies. Here, we
develop a spatially explicit, individual-based simulation model to
evaluate commonly used or promoted coyote control strategies. We began
with an already constructed non-spatial, individual-based stochastic
coyote population model that incorporated behavioral features, such as
dominance and territoriality. We added a spatial component and enhanced
the social rule set to more realistically model coyote movement and
territory replacement. This model merges coyote spatial, social, and
population ecology into a management framework. The development, structure, and parameterization of this model are described in detail.
For lethal methods, model results suggest that spatially intensive
removals are more efficient and long lasting compared to random removal
methods. However, sterilization appears to be the management strategy
offering the largest and most lasting impact on coyote population
dynamics. We recommend adding spatial prey/livestock density and
environmental components to this model to further enhance its ecological
reality and management usefulness. Although this model is applied to
coyotes in particular, it is applicable to many canid species of
conservation concern. This model provides a tool to assist in the
development of more effective and socially acceptable livestock
predation management strategies. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V All rights
reserved.
Tags
Simulation
Dynamics
ecology
Abundance
Sheep predation
Canis-latrans
Southeastern colorado
Territoriality