Correlated velocity models as a fundamental unit of animal movement: synthesis and applications

• Published in: Movement Ecology
• Main Authors: Eliezer Gurarie, Christen H. Fleming, William F. Fagan, Kristin L. Laidre, Jesús Hernández-Pliego, Otso Ovaskainen
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2017
• Subjects: Correlated velocity movement; Velocity autocovariance function; Correlated random walk; Integrated Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process; Balaena mysticetus; Thermal soaring; Biology (General); QH301-705.5; bowhead whale
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-017-0103-3; https://doaj.org/article/a93d180dfb51438784316cb997a8bddd

Abstract Background Continuous time movement models resolve many of the problems with scaling, sampling, and interpretation that affect discrete movement models. They can, however, be challenging to estimate, have been presented in inconsistent ways, and are not widely used. Methods We review the literature on integrated Ornstein-Uhlenbeck velocity models and propose four fundamental correlated velocity movement models (CVM’s): random, advective, rotational, and rotational-advective. The models are defined in terms of biologically meaningful speeds and time scales of autocorrelation. We summarize several approaches to estimating the models, and apply these tools for the higher order task of behavioral partitioning via change point analysis. Results An array of simulation illustrate the precision and accuracy of the estimation tools. An analysis of a swimming track of a bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) illustrates their robustness to irregular and sparse sampling and identifies switches between slower and faster, and directed vs. random movements. An analysis of a short flight of a lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) identifies exact moments when switches occur between loopy, thermal soaring and directed flapping or gliding flights. Conclusions We provide tools to estimate parameters and perform change point analyses in continuous time movement models as an R package (smoove). These resources, together with the synthesis, should facilitate the wider application and development of correlated velocity models among movement ecologists.