Why do species occur where they do? How do we accurately predict their occurrence? These questions have inspired naturalists and scientists for many years. Accurate species occurrence information can be used to select protected areas, identify movement corridors, and develop successful management practices. The research I conduct at Mpala Research Centre in Laikipia, Kenya investigates how environmental conditions and spatial scale influence species occurrence patterns. Both humans and animals are known to select resources at different spatial scales. For example, when choosing a city in which to live, I might consider weather patterns, local amenities, and job availability. When purchasing a home, I would want to know a house’s square footage, yard size, and safety. Animals respond to environmental conditions at different scales in similar ways. When selecting a home range, a bird might prioritize food resources, water availability, and nearby competitors. When selecting a nest site within a home range, ease of entry and shelter from predators may be more important. These habitat selection processes, combined across many individuals, determine a species’ local distribution. The first step in studying scale-dependent occurrence patterns is to measure the scales where habitat selection takes place. One method uses movements made by individuals over long time periods. Places where animals move short distances and turn in many directions likely contain important resources like food; places where animals move long distances over short time periods might be dangerous or contain less food or water. Recent technological developments make it possible for very small GPS tags (less than 20 grams) to collect a precise GPS location every 20 minutes, and run for months on solar-powered batteries. During August – October 2012, my team attached GPS tags (built by the University of Konstanz, Germany) to six adult Von der Decken’s hornbills at Mpala. One tagged hornbill often flies by the research station and dining area, showing off his GPS “backpack.” Movement data are collected by placing weatherproofed antennas, receivers, and memory units near where tagged birds roost at night (search www.movebank.org to see where tagged birds spend their time at Mpala Research Centre). After several months, we will collect enough movement data to identify important spatial scales for von Der Decken’s hornbills. Once these critical features are measured, we will build models that incorporate data on environmental conditions to understand how hornbills select habitat and resources across spatial scales. Measuring the scales that are important to different species will also help us understand how species coexist by splitting environmental resources. Together, a fuller understanding of scale dynamics and the detailed information collected by GPS tags will move us closer to understanding and predicting species occurrence patterns.
42 Comments
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12/27/2022 02:33:07 am
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This can include measurements of vegetation, water availability, and temperature at different scales, ranging from meters to kilometers. These environmental variables can be measured using ground-based sensors or remote sensing techniques like satellite imagery or aerial photography. Thank you
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7/12/2023 09:08:11 pm
Together, a fuller understanding of scale dynamics and the detailed information collected by GPS tags will move us closer to understanding and predicting species occurrence patterns. Cheers
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2/12/2024 03:29:10 pm
The collection of movement data for von Der Decken's hornbills involves the deployment of weatherproofed antennas, receivers, and memory units in areas where tagged birds roost at night. This data collection process allows researchers to track the birds' movements over several months, ultimately identifying important spatial scales for their habitat selection.
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7/31/2024 08:50:18 pm
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8/16/2024 04:00:05 pm
This post perfectly highlights why predicting species occurrence is so crucial for conservation. It's amazing how animals, like the Von der Decken's hornbill, consider factors at different scales when choosing their habitat.
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9/14/2024 09:01:51 am
Studying patterns of species occurrence is essential for the conservation and management of biodiversity. The authors' research, conducted at the Mpala Research Center in Laikipia, Kenya, provides valuable insights into how environmental conditions and spatial scales affect species distributions. To further advance the application of this research, Telegram can play a key role. By setting up dedicated Telegram groups or channels, scientists and conservationists can share findings, discuss research results, and coordinate conservation actions in real time. This instant communication method will not only speed up the analysis and application of data, but also promote cooperation and knowledge sharing on a global scale to better predict and protect endangered species.
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9/14/2024 09:08:47 am
Predictions of species occurrence are critical to developing effective conservation strategies, and the authors' research at the Mpala Research Center provides important insights into this area. To enhance the practical application of this research, the Telegram platform can provide an efficient communication channel for researchers and conservation organizations. By creating a dedicated Telegram channel, the research team can share the latest research results, discuss prediction models, and coordinate conservation efforts across regions. In addition, Telegram's file sharing function and real-time messaging system enable team members to quickly obtain and update data, improving the collaborative efficiency of research.
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Understanding the mechanisms of species emergence is crucial for biological conservation. The author's research at the Mpala Research Center provides deep insights into the impact of environmental conditions and spatial scales. In order to translate these research results into practical conservation measures, Telegram can serve as an important tool. Scientists can use Telegram to have real-time discussions, share data and research results, and collaborate with conservation organizations around the world. Through the group function of Telegram, researchers can get feedback from their peers and discuss methods for predicting species emergence patterns, thereby improving the scientificity and effectiveness of conservation work.
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9/14/2024 09:33:29 am
The prediction of species occurrence involves complex environmental and spatial variables, and the authors' work at the Mpala Research Center provides new perspectives on this field. To enhance the impact of this research, Telegram can serve as an efficient communication platform. By setting up a Telegram channel, researchers can update research progress in real time, share data with peers around the world, and coordinate conservation efforts. This instant communication method not only helps promote cross-regional cooperation, but also accelerates the application of research results, thereby more effectively predicting species occurrence and formulating scientific conservation strategies.
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9/22/2024 12:50:46 am
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10/8/2024 11:27:23 am
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