Groot, Hilbert de (2021) Modelling and visualizing the effects of large herbivores on landscape heterogeneity in grassland ecosystems. Master's Research Project 1, Ecology and Evolution.
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Abstract
I investigated and visualized how grazing pressure and population dynamics of a population of large grazers affected landscape heterogeneity of grazing landscapes. To do this, I created a discrete spatial vegetation model, described by partial differential equations for vegetation growth, grazed by individually modelled grazers. I found that, under intermediate grazing pressure, stable grazer populations created a stable two-phase vegetation mosaic, consisting of grazing lawns and woodland. When grazer populations were dynamic, the vegetation mosaic alternated between a two-phase mosaic and a three-phase mosaic (with the third phase being tall grasses), thus creating more heterogeneous landscapes. There was also a clear coarsening effect visible. I then processed the model output to create a virtual 3D landscape, which can be used to convey the ideas and benefits of rewilding to the public. To explore what people thought of the modellled landscapes, I held a short online survey. In general, respondents of the online questionnaire were very enthusiastic about the use of 3D visualizations. Based on these results, I recommend the use of dynamic herbivore populations in rewilding projects, and to convince the public of the benefits of this management method using 3D computer graphics.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master's Research Project 1) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Koppel, J. van de and Smit, C. |
| Degree programme: | Ecology and Evolution |
| Thesis type: | Master's Research Project 1 |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 18 Oct 2022 12:28 |
| Last Modified: | 18 Oct 2022 12:28 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/28858 |
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