Ecology and natural resource management: systems analysis and simulation
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abstract
This book introduces the use of systems analysis and simulation in solving complex natural resource management problems. It consists of 20 main chapters, these are: the systems approach to problem solving; basic concepts of systems analysis and simulation; conceptual model formulation; quantitative model specification; model evaluation; model use; modular representation of system structure and dynamics; the modelling process in practice - iteration of phases; annotated example of model development and use - simulation of aquaculture pond management; reporting the development and use of simulation models; population dynamics - effects of density-independent and density-dependent factors; population dynamics - effects of age-specific natality and mortality; interspecific competition - effects of fluctuating environmental conditions; community structure - effects of competition and frequency of ecological disturbance; predator-prey systems - effects of predator on prey and prey on predator; energy balance of homeotherms - effects of foraging and thermoregulation; wildlife management - effects of habitat fragmentation on the management of endangered animal species; fisheries management - effects of harvest regulations on the biomass yield from a fishery; rangeland management - effects of stocking density and frequency of brush control on rangeland productivity; and forest management - effects of timber harvest on the relative abundance of wildlife species. A CD-ROM is included which contains operational versions of all the simulation models referred to in the text.
