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.

1. 种群动态的空间显式认知，往往是野生种群有效管理的核心前提。当前已有多种成熟方法可用于模拟种群动态，但这类方法大多要么仅支持空间均质化模拟，要么基于智能体（Agent）建模，因此仅适用于小型空间或时间尺度。此外，此类方法通常还忽略了基于成本效益筛选管理方案时至关重要的财务决策因素。
2. 本研究构建了一款易用且灵活的建模框架——空间种群丰度动态引擎（Spatial Population Abundance Dynamics Engine，SPADE），用于大空间尺度下的种群问题模拟。SPADE 基于 STAR 模型（McMahon 等，2010），采用反应-扩散方法模拟种群动态轨迹，并结合成本效益分析技术，计算长周期、广空间尺度下的最优管理策略。相较于 STAR 模型，SPADE 新增了物种相互作用与多并行管理策略的支持，并允许用户完全自定义函数形式与参数。
3. 本研究利用 SPADE 模拟了亚南极马里恩岛（Marion Island）上野生家猫（Felis catus）的根除行动（Bester 等，2002），并将模拟结果与观测数据进行对比。最优拟合模型的参数契合了该管理项目的实际条件，且该模型成功还原了狩猎压力下猫种群向岛屿南部与东部区域迁移的观测现象。本研究进一步证实，若单独实施任意一种管理策略，均无法在合理时限内达成根除目标。
4. SPADE 可应用于广泛的种群管理问题场景，支持管理方案的快速生成、修改与分析。该工具无需专业培训即可使用，是野生种群管理规划、效果评估与策略优化的实用工具。