Modelling activity patterns of wild animals - An application of the multiple discrete-continuous extreme value (MDCEV) model

Abstract

Advanced econometric models used in the field of transport or marketing are becoming increasingly sophisticated and able to capture complex decision making and outcomes. In this paper, we apply state-of-the-art discrete-continuous choice models to the field of Ecology, in particular to model activity engagement of the population of Swedish Brown bears. Using data from GPS collars that track wild animals over time, we estimate a Multiple Discrete-Continuous Extreme Value (MDCEV) model to understand activity engagement and duration as a function of both bear characteristics and other external factors. We show that the methodology is not only suitable to address this aim, but also allows us to produce insights into the connection between the animal's age and gender and activity engagement as well as the links with climate variables (temperature and precipitation) and human activity (hunting).