Integrating direct observation and GPS tracking to monitor animal behavior for resource management

Monitoring the behavior of pack animals in protected areas informs management about use patterns and the potential associated negative impacts. However, systematic assessments of behavior are uncommon due to methodological and logistical constraints. This study integrated behavior mapping with GPS t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental monitoring and assessment 2018-02, Vol.190 (2), p.75-15, Article 75
Main Authors: Walden-Schreiner, Chelsey, Leung, Yu-Fai, Kuhn, Tim, Newburger, Todd
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal behavior
Animals
Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution
Behavior, Animal
Behaviour
California
Conservation of Natural Resources - methods
Domestic animals
Earth and Environmental Science
Ecology
Ecosystem
Ecotoxicology
Environment
Environmental conditions
Environmental Management
Environmental monitoring
Environmental science
Equidae
Geographic Information Systems
Global positioning systems
GPS
Grazing
Horses
Integrated approach
Monitoring/Environmental Analysis
Pack animals
Parks, Recreational
Protected areas
Resource management
Segmentation
Tactics
Tracking
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Summary:Monitoring the behavior of pack animals in protected areas informs management about use patterns and the potential associated negative impacts. However, systematic assessments of behavior are uncommon due to methodological and logistical constraints. This study integrated behavior mapping with GPS tracking, and applied behavior change point analysis, as an approach to monitor the behaviors of pack animals during overnight periods. The integrated approach identified multiple grazing patterns (i.e., locally intense grazing, ambulatory grazing) not feasible through a single methodology alone. Monitoring behavior and corresponding environmental conditions aid managers in implementing strategies designed to mitigate impacts associated with pack animals in natural areas. Results also contrast the influence of temporal scale on behavior segmentation to inform decisions for further monitoring and management of domestic animal use and impacts in natural areas. This integrated approach reduced time and logistical constraints of each method individually to promote ongoing monitoring and highlight how multiple management tactics could reduce impacts to sensitive habitats.
ISSN:0167-6369
1573-2959
DOI:10.1007/s10661-018-6463-3