Path segmentation for beginners: an overview of current methods for detecting changes in animal movement patterns

Increased availability of high-resolution movement data has led to the development of numerous methods for studying changes in animal movement behavior. Path segmentation methods provide basics for detecting movement changes and the behavioral mechanisms driving them. However, available path segmentation methods differ vastly with respect to underlying statistical assumptions and output produced. Consequently, it is currently difficult for researchers new to path segmentation to gain an overview of the different methods, and choose one that is appropriate for their data and research questions. Here, we provide an overview of different methods for segmenting movement paths according to potential changes in underlying behavior. To structure our overview, we outline three broad types of research questions that are commonly addressed through path segmentation: 1) the quantitative description of movement patterns, 2) the detection of significant change-points, and 3) the identification of underlying processes or ‘hidden states’. We discuss advantages and limitations of different approaches for addressing these research questions using path-level movement data, and present general guidelines for choosing methods based on data characteristics and questions. Our overview illustrates the large diversity of available path segmentation approaches, highlights the need for studies that compare the utility of different methods, and identifies opportunities for future developments in path-level data analysis. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40462-016-0086-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Oncocercosis and its control in Equatorial Guinea: 1997-2010

BAN EK, 199

Esca de la vigne, ce que révèlent les symptômes si on les suit dans le temps

Travail Au cours de la dernière décennie, un suivi précis et régulier du développement des symptômes foliaires caractéristiques de l'esca (tigrés) a été réalisé, principalement en Bordelais mais aussi en Europe et sur le pourtour méditerranéen. Résultats Les résultats permettent de redéfinir les symptôme selon leur aspect, leur gravité et leur évolution. Les éléments nouveaux, par rapport aux descriptions précédentes, sont précisés. L'enquête a révélé que les dommages foliaires d'esca sont très fréquemment associés à un un dommage vasculaire singulier, peu décrit et peu étudié par le passé : une altération du bois externe, de couleur orangée, superficielle, longitudinale, plus ou moins large, située juste sous l'écorce et dans la continuité des symptômes foliaires. A suivre Ces observations soulèvent de nouvelles questions quant à l'étiologie de l'esca. Elles permettent d'envisager des pistes prometteuses de recherche et de lutte, notamment en introduisant le facteur plante dans la compréhension de ce pathosystème complexe, et en matière de gestion des trajets de sève par la taille

Data from: Spatial mismatch between management units and movement ecology of a partially migratory ungulate

1. Population-level management is difficult to achieve if wildlife routinely crosses administrative boundaries, as is particularly frequent for migratory populations. However, the degree of mismatch between management units and scales at which ecological processes operate has rarely been quantified. Such insight is vital for delimiting functional population units of partially migratory species common in northern forest ecosystems. 2. We combined an extensive dataset of 412 GPS-marked red deer (Cervus elaphus) across Norway with information on the size and borders of two administrative levels, the governmental level (municipality) and landowner level (local management units; LMUs) to determine the timing and scale of mismatch between animal space use and management units. We analysed how landscape characteristics affected use of management units and the timing and likelihood of crossing borders between them, in an effort to delineate more appropriate units in various landscapes. 3. Median municipality size could potentially cover 70% of female and 62% of male annual ranges, while only 12% and 4% of LMUs were expansive enough to accommodate migratory routes in females and males, respectively. Red deer migrate along elevational gradients and are more likely to find both suitable lowland winter habitat and higher summer habitat within management units with variable topography. Consistent with this, the likelihood of border crossing decreased with increasing diversity of elevations. 4. Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate a considerable mismatch between animal space use and management units. Far-ranging movements and frequent administrative border crossings during autumn migration coincides with the period of active management (hunting season). Our study also highlights that, due to extensive movements of males, coordination of management aims may provide a more realistic avenue than increasing sizes of local management units. A more general insight is that the degree of mismatch between range use and management units depends on the season and landscape type. This needs to be accounted for when delimitating functional population units of migratory populations