COS 126-3
Hidden semi-Markov models reveal multiphasic movement of the endangered Florida panther
Animals must move to find food, mates, and to avoid predators. Therefore, movement can directly influence survival, reproduction, and ultimately determine fitness. Precise description of movement as well as an understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of movement and its relationships with intrinsic and extrinsic factors is important for theoretical and applied reasons. Using long-term (2005-2012) geographic positioning system (GPS) location data for the endangered Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), we calculated overall average movement descriptors for males and females with different dispersal status and reproductive condition over varied temporal scales. We then applied recently developed hidden semi-Markov models (HSMMs) and the Viterbi algorithm to quantify statistically discernible and biologically meaningful movement modes and explore their temporal patterns and environmental correlates.
Results/Conclusions
We identified three distinct movement modes: (1) Resting mode, characterized by short step lengths and turning angles around 180 degrees; (2) Moderately active mode, characterized by intermediate step lengths and variable turning angles; and (3) Traveling mode, characterized by long step lengths and turning angles around 0 degrees. Male and female panthers exhibited distinctly different movement patterns, mainly a result of males exhibiting longer step lengths during traveling mode. Reproductive status of females also influenced movement patterns, but this was a consequence of females with kittens spending more time in resting mode than females without kittens. We showed that all panthers spent most of the day resting and most of the night traveling. In addition, the difference in occupancy of specific modes during day or night was greater for males than for females. Our study provides a comprehensive framework for using HSMMs and the Viterbi algorithm to precisely describe movement and dissect differences in movement patterns according to sex, dispersal status, and reproductive condition.