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An Agent Based Model to Estimate Lynx Dispersal if Re-Introduced to Scotland
- Source :
- Applied Spatial Analysis and Policy. 13:161-185
- Publication Year :
- 2019
- Publisher :
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2019.
-
Abstract
- Re-introduction of Eurasian Lynx to Scotland is being considered. Work by others has provided an ecological rationale for reintroduction and trial re-introductions are proposed on the Scottish border. This paper presents an Agent Based Model which simulates the potential for individual lynx to successfully disperse from a release point, using movement rules derived from observation of wild lynx in Europe. Results suggest high mortality from road crossings could hinder effective dispersal. The model is used to suggest the strongest candidate release site based on dispersal with and without a road mortality effect. This occurs in the Galloway Forest Park. The model is built using open source tool Netlogo, the programming language is relatively straightforward and extensible so other life events and human interactions can be modelled. Movement parameters can easily be reset to explore other hypothesised movement patterns. This paper contributes to spatio-temporal understanding of lynx dispersal, via a dynamic visual representation of movement in an ABM. This may help appraise the case for re-introduction in a particular location as well as providing a discursive tool that may help to understand and resolve concerns of community stakeholders, which would aid development of suitable policies. Model code is available via online repository: https://github.com/DrIanPhilips/LynxABM.
- Subjects :
- Release site
Agent-based model
biology
Release point
Computer science
NetLogo
business.industry
Eurasian lynx
05 social sciences
Geography, Planning and Development
Environmental resource management
High mortality
0211 other engineering and technologies
0507 social and economic geography
021107 urban & regional planning
02 engineering and technology
Open source
biology.animal
Biological dispersal
business
050703 geography
computer
computer.programming_language
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 18744621 and 1874463X
- Volume :
- 13
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Applied Spatial Analysis and Policy
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi...........fee3277749270bf5405a1c6026768d4a