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Functional connectivity in ruminants: A generalized state-dependent modelling approach

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  • Darcy R Visscher
  • Evelyn H Merrill

Abstract

Animal behaviour is increasingly seen as an important component in maintaining functional connectivity between patches in fragmented landscapes. However, models that explicitly incorporate behavioural trade-offs are rarely applied to landscape planning problems like connectivity. The aim of this study was to explore how state-dependent behaviour influenced functional connectivity between patches from a theoretical perspective. We investigated how inter-patch distances influenced functional connectivity using a dynamic state variable model framework. The decision making process of an individual ruminant facing fitness trade-offs in staying in its patch of origin or moving to another patch at various distances were explicitly modelled. We incorporated energetic costs and predation costs of feeding, ruminating, and resting while in the patch and for transit between patches based on inter-patch distance. Functional connectivity was maintained with isolated patches when they offered high intake and the inactivity of rumination associated with rapid gut fill resulted in reduced predation risk. Nevertheless, individuals in high energetic state often would forgo moving to another patch, whereas individuals in poor energetic states were forced to accept the cost of movement to best meet their requirements in the distant patch. The inclusion of state-dependent behavioural models provides important insights into functional connectivity in fragmented landscapes and helps integrate animal behaviour into landscape planning. We discuss the consequences of our findings for landscape planning to show how the approach provides a heuristic tool to assess alternative scenarios for restoring landscape functional connectivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Darcy R Visscher & Evelyn H Merrill, 2018. "Functional connectivity in ruminants: A generalized state-dependent modelling approach," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(6), pages 1-22, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0199671
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199671
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stewart Liley & Scott Creel, 2008. "What best explains vigilance in elk: characteristics of prey, predators, or the environment?," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 19(2), pages 245-254.
    2. James M. Yoder & Elizabeth A. Marschall & David A. Swanson, 2004. "The cost of dispersal: predation as a function of movement and site familiarity in ruffed grouse," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 15(3), pages 469-476, May.
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    1. Hecker, Lutz Philip & Sturm, Astrid & Querhammer, Lisa & Wätzold, Frank, 2024. "Cost-effectiveness of state-dependent versus state-independent agri-environment schemes for biodiversity conservation," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).

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