Application of habitat suitability modelling to tracking data of marine animals as a means of analyzing their feeding habitats

摘要: This paper investigates the potential for using quantitative applications of statistical models habitat suitability based on marine animal tracking data to identify key feeding areas. Presence-only like Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) may be applicable resolve gradients and potentially project characteristics tracked animals over large areas ocean. We tested ENFA northern gannet (Morus bassanus) obtained from colony at Bass Rock, western North Sea in 2003. A total 217 diving events were selected model development. The ecological variables calibrated by oceanographic structures with documented influences seabird distribution, derived satellite bathymetric data. parameters estimates marginality specialisation computed comparing distribution multivariate space encompassed recorded logger whole set cells study area. Marginality was identified differences global mean specialization ratio species variance variance. index basis factors first four allocating values all grid area, which proportional distance between their position optimum factorial space. Although gannets a sector feeding, estimated high scores within relatively small coherent zone corresponding hydrographic frontal located east colony. evaluated Jack-knife cross-validation comparison predicted core area results historic field surveys. discuss limitations potentials applying environment, conclude that inclusion hydrodynamic seems biggest constraint. Overcoming this constraint, provides promising method achieving improved research conservation priority. Due better coverage entire ranges, limited influence lack bias sampling design, provide than at-sea surveys modelling.