by Mark MacAllister
June 21, 2002
Page 8 : The homerange in context
Using Jennrich-Turner, MCP, and kernel maps to understand an animal's homerange is useful, even if all we want to do is gain a simple glimpse of that homerange. Where these maps are especially valuable, though, is when we put them in context with other characterisitcs of the environment. For example, this map shows Desiré's kernel homerange, but also adds another piece of data to the map--that being the location of the newly-designated Lobeke National Park.
The relationship between homeranges and national parks is especially important because national parks provide the best protection for elephants against poaching and other dangers. What does the map above tell you about Desiré's use of Lobeke National Park? Would you at this point say that Desiré is well-protected, or not well-protected, by the park? Why might you want to wait to make that determination? If you were in charge of the national parks in Cameroon, what might you want to do if you were interested in protecting elephants?
Pages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
About the author:Mark MacAllister is the Project Coordinator for Field Trip Earth.
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