Data from: Using the Spatial Population Abundance Dynamics Engine for conservation management

1. An explicit spatial understanding of population dynamics is often
critical for effective management of wild populations. Sophisticated
approaches are available to simulate these dynamics, but are largely
either spatially homogeneous or agent-based, and thus best suited to small
spatial or temporal scales. These approaches also often ignore financial
decisions crucial to choosing management approaches on the basis of
cost-effectiveness. 2. We created a user-friendly and flexible modelling
framework for simulating these population issues at large spatial scales –
the Spatial Population Abundance Dynamics Engine (SPADE). SPADE is based
on the STAR model (McMahon et al. 2010) and uses a reaction-diffusion
approach to model population trajectories and a cost-benefit analysis
technique to calculate optimal management strategies over long periods and
across broad spatial scales. It expands on STAR by incorporating species
interactions and multiple concurrent management strategies, and by
allowing full user control of functional forms and parameters. 3. We used
SPADE to simulate the eradication of feral domestic cats Felis catus on
sub-Antarctic Marion Island (Bester et al. 2002) and compared modelled
outputs to observed data. The parameters of the best-fitting model
reflected the conditions of the management programme, and the model
successfully simulated the observed movement of the cat population to the
southern and eastern portion of the island under hunting pressure. We
further demonstrated that none of the management strategies would likely
have been successful within a reasonable timeframe if performed in
isolation. 4. SPADE is applicable to a wide range of population management
problems, and allows easy generation, modification and analysis of
management scenarios. It is a useful tool for the planning, evaluation and
optimisation of the management of wild populations, and can be used
without specialised training.