Abstract
Development of an Agent-Based Model for Cougars in Arizona Track: Modeling Author(s): Terence Arundel, Jan Hart, David Mattson Throughout the American West conflicts between cougars (Puma concolor) and humans have increased. A study was initiated during 2002 in northern Arizona to obtain basic information about cougar ecology in the Flagstaff area. One of the study's primary objectives was to describe and analyze cougar movements and habitat use, especially relative to human habitation, recreation areas and other features. In addition, we are developing a cougar-informed spatial frame of available cougar habitat using known and random locations to model available habitat for cougars. We constructed our spatial data with the intent of developing an agent-based model to further understand cougar ecological processes in northern Arizona. A distinct set of rules was developed to guide the construction of these spatial data layers and create the agent-based model for exploring or simulating daily movements of cougars in relatively close proximity to human populations. Terence Arundel U.S. Geological Survey 2255 North Gemini Drive Flagstaff , AZ 86001 US Phone: 928-556-7174 E-mail: terry_arundel@usgs.gov Jan Hart Northern Arizona University P.O. Box 5614 Flagstaff , AZ 86011 US Phone: 928-556-7466 E-mail: Jan.Hart@nau.edu David Mattson U.S. Geological Survey P.O. Box 5614 Flagstaff , AZ 86011 US Phone: 928-556-7466 E-mail: david_mattson@usgs.gov |
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