Using GRASS and Spatial Explicit Population Dynamics Modelling as a Conservation Tool to Manage Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) in Northern Italy
Clara Tattoni
Dipartimento Ambiente-Salute-Sicurezza, Universita degli Studi dell'Insubria
Damiano G. Preatoni
Dipartimento Ambiente-Salute-Sicurezza, Universita degli Studi dell'Insubria
Peter W.W. Lurz
IRES,School of Biology, Devonshire Building,University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Steven P. Rushton
IRES,School of Biology, Devonshire Building,University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Guido Tosi
Dipartimento Ambiente-Salute-Sicurezza, Universita degli Studi dell'Insubria
Sandro Bertolino
DI.VA.P.R.A. Entomology and Zoology, Universita di Torino
Lucas A. Wauters
Dipartimento Ambiente-Salute-Sicurezza, Universita degli Studi dell'Insubria
要旨
Grey squirrel, an invasive alien species, is currently replacing the native Eurasian red squirrel in British Isles and north-west Italy. Grey squirrel has recently been reported in Parco Lombardo della Valle del Ticino (NW Italy) and the species is likely to spread in the woodlands connecting Italy to other European countries. We used GRASS GIS and Spatially Explicit Population dynamics Models as a conservation tool to predict the spread of grey squirrels and to test different management options in the Ticino Regional Park and surrounding areas in a 40 years time frame. GRASS GIS has been used in two phases of the work: at first to build the habitat and the squirrel distribution maps to be processed by the model and then to map the model output. Scripting in a Bourne-shell environment allowed us to integrate the GIS capabilities with the population dynamics program, written in C programming language, and assured the data stream from GRASS to the model and back. The integrated approach of SEPM and GIS allowed us to suggest public administration a cost effective action plan to stop the invasion process.
