Dynamics of Animal Joint Space Use: A Novel Application of a Time Series Approach
Author(s): Justin T. French, Hsiao-Hsuan Wang, William E. Grant, and John M. Tomeček
Published: December 2019
Animal space use is a dynamic phenomenon, emerging from the movements of animals responding to a changing environment. Interactions between animals are reflected in patterns of joint space use, which are also dynamic. High frequency sampling associated with GPS telemetry provides detailed data that capture space use through time. However, common analyses treat joint space use as static over relatively long periods, masking potentially important changes. Furthermore, linking temporal variation in interactions to covariates remains cumbersome. We propose a novel method for analyzing the dynamics of joint space use that permits straightforward incorporation of covariates. This method builds upon tools commonly used by researchers, including kernel density estimators, utilization distribution intersection metrics, and extensions of linear models.
Suggested Citation
French, J.T., H.H. Wang, W.E. Grant, and J.M. Tomeček. 2019. Dynamics of animal joint space use: a novel application of a time series approach. Movement Ecology (7)38: DOI 10.1186/s40462-019-0183-3.