Seeing the Canopies for the Forest: Habitat Utilization Mapping Using Habitat Structure and Composition

Area of Science:

• Arboreal ecology
• Primate behavior
• Conservation biology

Background:

• Fine-scale habitat utilization mapping is crucial for animal ecology and conservation.
• A unified approach combining habitat structure, composition, and animal activities is needed for accurate assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a unified activity-based habitat utilization model using simulations.
• To map the fine-scale spatio-temporal habitat utilization of the endangered lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus).

Main Methods:

• Simulations of habitat structure and composition.
• Integration of tree distribution, abundance, and height utilization data.
• Activity-based habitat utilization modeling.

Main Results:

• Habitat utilization predictions are enhanced by combining tree distribution/abundance with height data.
• Primary forests are more suitable than plantations for lion-tailed macaques across all activities.
• Seasonal variations in habitat suitability were observed due to tree fruiting patterns.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating habitat structure and composition is vital for understanding arboreal species' fine-scale spatio-temporal habitat utilization.
• The simulation model aids in conserving primates in tropical habitats where extensive field data collection is challenging.
• Primary forests provide superior canopy connectivity for locomotion compared to plantations.