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Modelling and visualizing the effects of large herbivores on landscape heterogeneity in grassland ecosystems.

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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