Periodicity analysis of movement recursions

Area of Science:

• Movement ecology
• Animal behavior
• Time-series analysis

Background:

• Animals adjust resource use within home ranges.
• Movement recursions and their periodicity are gaining research interest.
• Periodic environmental factors influence animal movement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop methods for detecting periodic patterns in animal movement.
• To assess the statistical significance of detected periods.
• To provide an analytical framework for movement ecology.

Main Methods:

• Fourier and wavelet analyses applied to time-series data (presence/absence, arrival/departure).
• Development of null models for statistical significance testing.
• Case study using impala (Aepyceros melampus) movement data.

Main Results:

• Identified significant periodicities in impala's use of an open area (12h, 24h, 7 days, 30 days).
• Detected periods correlate with predation risk and disturbance.
• Impala showed increased use at night, near new moon, and during weekdays.

Conclusions:

• The proposed analytical framework effectively extracts and validates periodic movement patterns.
• Periodic movement behavior in impala is linked to ecological factors like predation and disturbance.
• This approach advances the study of movement ecology and adaptive environmental use.