Goedegebuure et al 2018.pdf (5.67 MB)
Modelling southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina using an individual-based model coupled with a dynamic energy budget
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 21:28 authored by Goedegebuure, M, Jessica Melbourne-ThomasJessica Melbourne-Thomas, Stuart CorneyStuart Corney, Clive McMahonClive McMahon, Mark HindellMark HindellHigher trophic-level species are an integral component of any marine ecosystem. Despite their importance, methods for representing these species in end-to-end ecosystem models often have limited representation of life histories, energetics and behaviour. We built an individual-based model coupled with a dynamic energy budget for female southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina to demonstrate a method for detailed representation of marine mammals. We aimed to develop a model which could i) simulate energy use and life histories, as well as breeding traits of southern elephant seals in an emergent manner, ii) project a stable population over time, and iii) have realistic population dynamics and structure based on emergent life history features (such as age at first breeding, lifespan, fecundity and (yearling) survival). We evaluated the model's ability to represent a stable population over long time periods (>10 generations), including the sensitivity of the emergent properties to variations in key parameters. Analyses indicated that the model is sensitive to changes in resource availability and energy requirements for the transition from pup to juvenile, and juvenile to adult stage. This was particularly the case for breeding success and yearling survival. This model is suitable for use as a standalone tool for investigating the impacts of changes to behaviour and population responses of southern elephant seals.
History
Publication title
PloS ONEVolume
13Article number
e0194950Number
e0194950Pagination
1-37ISSN
1932-6203Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesPublisher
Public Library of SciencePlace of publication
United StatesRights statement
Copyright 2018 Goedegebuure et al. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)Repository Status
- Open