A general subpopulation model for the Animal Landscape and Man Simulation System (ALMaSS)

TY - JOUR

T1 - A general subpopulation model for the Animal Landscape and Man Simulation System (ALMaSS)

AU - Duan, Xiaodong

AU - Topping, Christopher John

PY - 2024/11/12

Y1 - 2024/11/12

N2 - ALMaSS (the Animal Landscape and Man Simulation System) is a well-established modelling system known for its detailed agent-based animal models. However, for certain species, such as aphids, extremely high population sizes and limited detailed individual behaviour information make agent-based approaches either computationally expensive or unfeasible. Additionally, when these species are modelled as a prey base for other species, such as aphids for ladybirds, an efficient and accurate modelling approach is required. To address these challenges, we introduce a subpopulation-based model framework that effectively handles high population densities, while reducing computational complexity. This framework divides the landscape into a non-overlapping grid and population dynamics are managed within each grid using a flexible stage-structured population model. Grids are interconnected through short- and long-distance dispersal mechanisms, allowing for realistic movement and interactions. Parallel programming is employed to enhance performance, enabling faster simulation runs. We demonstrate the application of this model framework with a hypothetical species (not a species in the real world) and showcase its use in modelling aphid populations. This foundational subpopulation model could be used to model species with large population sizes within the ALMaSS framework and can be integrated into other simulation systems.

AB - ALMaSS (the Animal Landscape and Man Simulation System) is a well-established modelling system known for its detailed agent-based animal models. However, for certain species, such as aphids, extremely high population sizes and limited detailed individual behaviour information make agent-based approaches either computationally expensive or unfeasible. Additionally, when these species are modelled as a prey base for other species, such as aphids for ladybirds, an efficient and accurate modelling approach is required. To address these challenges, we introduce a subpopulation-based model framework that effectively handles high population densities, while reducing computational complexity. This framework divides the landscape into a non-overlapping grid and population dynamics are managed within each grid using a flexible stage-structured population model. Grids are interconnected through short- and long-distance dispersal mechanisms, allowing for realistic movement and interactions. Parallel programming is employed to enhance performance, enabling faster simulation runs. We demonstrate the application of this model framework with a hypothetical species (not a species in the real world) and showcase its use in modelling aphid populations. This foundational subpopulation model could be used to model species with large population sizes within the ALMaSS framework and can be integrated into other simulation systems.

U2 - 10.3897/fmj.5.122467

DO - 10.3897/fmj.5.122467

M3 - Journal article

SN - 2815-3197

VL - 5

JO - Food and Ecological Systems Modelling Journal

JF - Food and Ecological Systems Modelling Journal

M1 - e122467

ER -