Linking individual-based and statistical inferential models in movement ecology: A case study with black petrels ( Procellaria parkinsoni )

Zhang, Jingjing; Dennis, Todd E.; Landers, Todd J.; Bell, Elizabeth A.; Perry, George L.

doi:10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2017.07.017

Cited by 20 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 63 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Both approaches, however, assume linear relationships between summary statistics and the parameter sample. Instead of aggregating the information of many "simple" summary statistics, Zhang et al (2017) used statistical inferential movement models (IMMs) to produce fewer, but more informative summary statistics in the first place. Since the predictive capacity of the methods employed to reduce the dimensionality of calculated summary statistics is the sole purpose, algorithmic models, such as decision trees or neural nets are likely to be advantageous over statistical models (or "data models" as refered to in Breiman 2001b).…”

Section: Using Random Forest For Choosing Summary Statistics In Abcmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A second problem of ABC is that efficient parameter inference hinges on the definition of appropriate summary statistics that reduce the dimensionality of the simulated and observed data, while retaining the important information for the inference (sufficiency). As a consequence, few studies have used ABC to parameterize movement models so far (but see, e.g., Marchand et al 2017, Zhang et al 2017, and there is very little guidance about the best methods to do so.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Calibrating an individual‐based movement model to predict functional connectivity for little owls

Hauenstein

Fattebert

Grüebler

et al. 2019

Ecological Applications

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Dispersal is crucial for population viability and thus a popular target for conservation measures. However, the ability of individuals to move between habitat patches is notoriously difficult to estimate. One solution is to quantify functional connectivity via realistic individual‐based movement models. Such simulation models, however, are difficult to build and even more difficult to parameterize. Here, we use the example of natal little owl (Athene noctua) dispersal to develop a new analysis chain for the calibration of individual‐based dispersal models using a hybrid of statistical parameter estimation and Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC). Specifically, we use locations of 126 radio‐tracked juveniles to first estimate habitat utilization by generalized additive models (GAMs) and the biased random bridges (BRB) method. We then include the estimated parameters in a spatially explicit individual‐based model (IBM) of little owl dispersal and calibrate further movement parameters using ABC. To derive efficient summary statistics, we use a new dimension reduction method based on random forest (RF) regression. Finally, we use the calibrated IBM to predict the dispersal potential of little owls from local populations in southwestern Germany to suitable habitat patches in northern Switzerland. We show that pre‐calibrating habitat preference parameters while inferring movement behavioral parameters via ABC is a computationally efficient solution to obtain a plausible IBM parameterization. We also find that dimension reduction via RF regression outperforms the widely used least squares regression, which we applied as a benchmark approach. Estimated movement parameters for the individuals reveal plausible inter‐individual and inter‐sexual differences in movement behavior during natal dispersal. In agreement with a sex‐biased dispersal distance in little owls, females show longer individual flights and higher directional persistence. Simulations from the fitted model indicate that a (re)colonization of northern Switzerland is generally possible, albeit restricted. We conclude that the presented analysis chain is a sensible work‐flow to assess dispersal connectivity across species and ecosystems. It embraces species‐ and individual‐specific behavioral responses to the landscape and allows likelihood‐based calibration, despite an irregular sampling design. Our study highlights existing, yet narrow dispersal corridors, which may require enhancements to facilitate a recolonization of little owl habitat patches in northern Switzerland.

show abstract

Section: Using Random Forest For Choosing Summary Statistics In Abcmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Calibrating an individual‐based movement model to predict functional connectivity for little owls

Hauenstein

Fattebert

Grüebler

et al. 2019

Ecological Applications

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In the latter case, a typical approach is to classify discrete behaviours (i.e. sleeping/foraging/travelling), with the resulting movement pattern emerging as a hybrid of random and correlated random walks (Bialozyt et al, 2014;Zhang, Dennis, Landers, Bell, & Perry, 2017). The composite movement approach is supported by fine-grained observations of captive frugivores (specifically primates), with movement patterns shifting from Brownian to Lévy walks depending on behaviour; this conceptualization reflects the state-space approach to analysing movement data (Sueur, Briard, & Petit, 2011).…”

Section: Movement Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

The spatial complexity of seed movement: Animal‐generated seed dispersal patterns in fragmented landscapes revealed by animal movement models

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Large animals provide crucial seed dispersal services, yet face continued threats and are susceptible to changes in landscape composition and configuration. Thus, there is a growing imperative to improve understanding of animal‐generated seed dispersal using models that incorporate spatial complexity in a realistic, yet tractable, way. We developed a spatially explicit agent‐based seed dispersal model, with disperser movements informed by biotelemetry data, to evaluate how landscape composition and configuration affect seed dispersal patterns. We illustrated this approach for the world's second largest ratite, the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), a highly mobile generalist frugivore considered an important long‐distance disperser for many plant species across Australia. When animal movement is unrestricted, model parameters related to seed gut passage largely determine seed dispersal kernels. However, as habitat loss and fragmentation increase, the extent of long‐distance dispersal events is reduced and seed shadows became progressively more aggregated. This effect is due to the emu not being able to move between disconnected parts of the landscape, with small changes in habitat structure causing decreased long‐distance dispersal. We simulated seed dispersal patterns generated by three commonly used generic models of animal movement – unbiased and biased correlated random walks and Lévy walks – to evaluate how different representations of movement affect estimations of animal movements and emergent seed dispersal patterns. Simulated movements informed by the emu biotelemetry data resulted in longer median seed dispersal distances than do the three generic models. Synthesis. Changes in landscape composition and configuration can dramatically alter patterns of zoochorous seed dispersal as they influence animal movement. However, when models are used to simulate the patterns of seed dispersal, decisions about how animal movement is represented also affect estimates of seed dispersal.

show abstract

“…In addition, although males are larger than females (SSD of 6% in body mass, [ 43 , 44 ]), both sexes appear to forage in the same areas throughout the whole breeding cycle [ 45 ]. Furthermore, in contrast to its congenerics [ 46 , 47 ], Westland petrels sustain the increased nutritional requirements of chick-provisioning with no indication of bimodality in foraging trip duration [ 45 , 48 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Foraging niche overlap during chick-rearing in the sexually dimorphic Westland petrel

et al. 2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Most Procellariform seabirds are pelagic, breed in summer when prey availability peaks, and migrate for winter. They also display a dual foraging strategy (short and long trips) and sex-specific foraging. The Westland petrel Procellaria westlandica , a New Zealand endemic, is one of the rare seabirds breeding in winter. Preliminary findings on this large and sexually dimorphic petrel suggest a foraging behaviour with no evidence of a dual strategy, within a narrow range and with shared areas between sexes. To investigate further this unusual strategy, the present study determined the fine-scale at-sea behaviours (global positioning system and accelerometer data loggers) and trophic niches (stable isotopes in whole blood) of chick-rearing individuals (16 males and 13 females). All individuals foraged on the shelf-slope of the west coast of New Zealand's South Island with short, unimodal trips. Both sexes foraged at similar intensity without temporal, spatial or isotopic niche segregation. These findings suggest the presence of a winter prey resource close to the colony, sufficient to satisfy the nutritional needs of breeding without increasing the foraging effort or intra-specific competition avoidance during winter. Additional data are needed to assess the consistency of foraging niche between the sexes and its reproductive outcomes in view of anticipated environmental changes.

show abstract

Linking individual-based and statistical inferential models in movement ecology: A case study with black petrels ( Procellaria parkinsoni )

Cited by 20 publications

References 63 publications

Calibrating an individual‐based movement model to predict functional connectivity for little owls

Calibrating an individual‐based movement model to predict functional connectivity for little owls

The spatial complexity of seed movement: Animal‐generated seed dispersal patterns in fragmented landscapes revealed by animal movement models

Foraging niche overlap during chick-rearing in the sexually dimorphic Westland petrel

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About