Publications [#291872] of Leslie J. Digby

Papers Presented/Symposia/Abstracts

1. Digby, LJ, Determining home range "volumes" in primates: why are we using two-dimensional measures for species that live in a three-dimensional world?, AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY (January, 2007), pp. 100-100, WILEY-LISS, ISSN 0002-9483 [Gateway.cgi]
   (last updated on 2024/04/18)

   Abstract:
   Measures of home range are an important part of the ecology of primate species. Changes in resource availability, competition from sympatric species, and changes in group size are all impact the use of space by a group. As such, accurate measures of home range use are important in understanding the basic ecology of a species. Yet, traditionally, home range use has been measured as a two-dimensional area, leaving out the third dimension, height. This study lays out a method for calculating and using three-dimensional home ranges using three species of semi-free ranging lemurs housed in natural habitat enclosures at the Duke Lemur Center. Using focal animal sampling, animal location (determined by GPS) and height estimates were recorded at 5-minute intervals throughout the day. While home range areas did not vary greatly, height did vary resulting in homes ranges of distinct volume and shape. The use of three-dimensional home range volumes will allow for more accurate determinations of how ecological variables influence the costs of resource acquisition and protection from predators in a variety of arboreal species. New technologies that may enable the remote sensing of animal movements through the forest will also be discussed.