Estimating temporal independence of radio-telemetry data on animal activity

摘要: Radio-telemetry is an excellent tool for gathering data on the biology of animals and their interactions with environment they inhabit. Many methods have been developed analyses spatial information, home range size utilization density. Activity patterns are often described using radio-tracking data, but no generally accepted method currently available specifically determining temporal independence this type statistical inference. rhythms analysed by ecologists assumption that temporally independent, or subjectively fixing interval, based attributes ranging behaviour. Although some good approximations activity can be obtained in these ways, we underline need a functionally correct estimating interval. Here use semi-variograms to estimate minimum interval required readings sequentially independent. This geostatistical applied analysis Chilean foxes (Pseudalopex culpaeus) Chacoan peccaries (Catagonus wagneri). Data were collected field over 24-hr periods, state taken every 15 min. The dimension which theory geostatistics lies has transferred into time dimension, so correlation expressed units (min). Time as estimated variogram was 110 min foxes, while indicated long periods activity, more suitable time-series analysis. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.