Genetic Algorithm-based ecosystem for heather management

Abstract

This paper applies genetic algorithms (GA) to simulate a heather moorland ecosystem. We investigate, in this ecosystem how to manage heather for the benefits of survival and reproduction of grouse. A GA candidate solution is a grid, representing spatial relationship of three types of heather. From solutions provided by GA, we have found that the diversity of neighborhood and its distribution are essential. The evenly diversified heather distributions emerge as the best fit solutions for grousepsilas needs. We compared this finding with data collected from the field work.