Use of Global Positioning System Tracking to Assess Landscape Distribution in Extensive Small Ruminant Operations

IF 2.4 3区环境科学与生态学 Q2 ECOLOGY

Rangeland Ecology & Management Pub Date : 2024-02-23 DOI:10.1016/j.rama.2024.01.010

Caroline Wade , Mark Trotter , Anita Chang , Caitriana Steele , Lara Prihodko , Derek W. Bailey

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Landscape distribution and grazing management of small ruminants are becoming more important issues as the sheep and goat industry continues to grow. The objective of this study was to evaluate spatial movement patterns of sheep and goats in Queensland, Australia using Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking to determine daily distance traveled, distance traveled from water, activity levels, and the influence of ambient temperature on these metrics. Optimized hotspot analysis was also performed to determine areas of increased small ruminant presence across the landscape. GPS positions were recorded at 10-min intervals over the course of several months. Sheep and goats traveled an average distance from water of 0.6–1.1 km, with a maximum of 2.4 km. Daily distance traveled of sheep and goats averaged 6–9 km·d⁻¹, with a maximum of 11 km·d⁻¹. Average daily activity ranged between 42% and 47%. The overall trend of the datum showed that increased temperature led to decreased daily distance traveled, distance traveled from water, and activity of sheep and goats. The hotspot analyses showed a higher concentration of sheep and goats near water sources. Understanding small ruminant distribution in extensive rangeland pastures helps producers implement management regimes to improve efficacy and sustainability of land use and production.

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使用全球定位系统跟踪评估小型反刍动物大规模饲养的景观分布情况

随着绵羊和山羊产业的不断发展，小型反刍动物的景观分布和放牧管理正成为越来越重要的问题。本研究的目的是利用全球定位系统（GPS）跟踪评估澳大利亚昆士兰州绵羊和山羊的空间移动模式，以确定每天的移动距离、离水的距离、活动水平以及环境温度对这些指标的影响。此外，还进行了优化的热点分析，以确定整个地形中小型反刍动物增加的区域。在几个月的时间里，每隔 10 分钟记录一次 GPS 位置。绵羊和山羊离开水源的平均距离为 0.6-1.1 公里，最远为 2.4 公里。绵羊和山羊的日平均活动距离为 6-9 km-d-1，最长为 11 km-d-1。平均日活动量在 42% 到 47% 之间。数据的总体趋势表明，温度升高导致绵羊和山羊的日行走距离、距水距离和活动量减少。热点分析表明，水源附近的绵羊和山羊较为集中。了解小型反刍动物在广阔牧场的分布情况有助于生产者实施管理制度，提高土地利用和生产的有效性和可持续性。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Rangeland Ecology & Management 农林科学-环境科学

CiteScore

4.60

自引率

13.00%

发文量

审稿时长

12-24 weeks

期刊介绍： Rangeland Ecology & Management publishes all topics-including ecology, management, socioeconomic and policy-pertaining to global rangelands. The journal''s mission is to inform academics, ecosystem managers and policy makers of science-based information to promote sound rangeland stewardship. Author submissions are published in five manuscript categories: original research papers, high-profile forum topics, concept syntheses, as well as research and technical notes. Rangelands represent approximately 50% of the Earth''s land area and provision multiple ecosystem services for large human populations. This expansive and diverse land area functions as coupled human-ecological systems. Knowledge of both social and biophysical system components and their interactions represent the foundation for informed rangeland stewardship. Rangeland Ecology & Management uniquely integrates information from multiple system components to address current and pending challenges confronting global rangelands.