Modeling Animal Movement for Sustainable Human-Wildlife Coexistence

Keywords: Human-wildlife interaction, Agent-based model, Individual-based model, Spatially-explicit simulation model, Remotely sensed data
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Human-wildlife interactions are becoming increasingly complex due to the expansion of human populations and the overlapping habitats of animals and humans. This complexity has created an urgency to understand how wildlife movement patterns react to the myriad of environmental issues that exist today, and to the emerging environmental issues humanity faces in the future. The intersection of human and wildlife activities in shared environments has led to the need for innovative modeling approaches that promote coexistence, minimize conflicts, and support sustainable development. Advanced modeling of animal movement and behavior is pivotal for revealing insights that are essential to designing and maintaining resilient ecosystems. Such models empower decision-makers with evidence-based tools for developing effective management plans and crafting policies that align with ecological sustainability, which can then be communicated to relevant stakeholders to foster collaborative efforts.
This project focuses on critical species and fragile ecosystems, employing a combination of technology and ecological theory to simulate animal behaviors and reactions to environmental changes. The methodology will include agent-based frameworks that capture individual and collective animal movement, multi-scale analyses that address the interaction between local and landscape-level processes, and human decision modeling to reflect anthropogenic influences. Additionally, high-resolution datasets and advanced remote sensing will be utilized to enhance model accuracy. By simulating responses to both current and anticipated environmental events, this research aims to equip policymakers and conservationists with robust strategies for promoting sustainable human-wildlife coexistence.