A probabilistic space-time prism to explore changes in white Stork habitat use in Iran

Abstract

Studying bird habitats, particularly, those of endangered birds, facilitates effective conservation efforts. The concept of a probabilistic space-time prism (PSTP), which has been introduced in GIScience circle in recent years, can be used to explore bird habitat selection behaviors. The theoretical methods behind the PSTP approach are based on the assumption that a bird’s maximum habitat visit probability occurs along the axis of a prism; however, so far, this approach has not been used in a practical setting. In this paper, using movement data for the White Stork in Iran during the breeding and wintering seasons, the capability of a theoretical PSTP simulation method, named Truncated Brownian Bridge (TBB) was evaluated. To simulate the PSTPs, a Brownian motion variance was used. It was calculated, based on the collected movement data for the calibration of the dispersion parameters, so increasing the accuracy of the results. A comparison between the theoretical results and the movement data shows the method’s ability to identify changes in the storks’ habitat use was greater in the breeding season than during the wintering season. Also, no significant correlation was found between the predicted results and both the density of land use patches and the evenness of land use classes.