Network approach to studying spatial ecology of apex predators and ungulates of southeastern Sikhote-Alin range (Primorsky Krai)

Abstract

Network analysis has proven to be an effective tool for understanding patterns and predicting consequences in the study of complex systems on a local, regional and global scale. In the south of the Russian Far East exists one of the highest levels of biodiversity in Russia. This paper presents mainly theoretical study, its results includes maps and of spatial structure distribution schemes in the winter of the Amur tiger and the main objects of its food interest—ungulates. The research model area situated within the mountain-forest territory of Southeastern Sikhote-Alin Mountains (Primorsky Krai). This region is home to species of worldwide conservation significance, including the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica). The results of the study show the interpenetration of places of human activity and infrastructure into the main habitats of large animals in winter. The factors threatening the existence of large predators can be divided into three types: anthropogenic (related to the presence of man and his economic activity); technogenic (caused by implemented technological systems, for example, transport and fuel and energy infrastructure); natural (natural disasters, as well as relief and landscape conditions that prevent the existence of living organisms of wildlife). The work presents: 1) network models and geoinformation mapping of the winter distribution of the Amur tiger, which is the result of using the proximity threshold as a key variable parameter of the network model; 2) maps of the distribution of ungulates have been compiled by recalculating the total number of animals by their population density in hunting grounds; 3) network models of the human-occupied space (roads, settlements) of the model territory have been prepared and distribution of hunting enterprises. The applied synergy of geoinformation modeling and network analysis provides effective analytical tools for research in the spatial ecology of animals.