Optimal movement decisions in complex landscapes
Line S. Cordes, Charles M. Bishop, Luca Börger, Jacob Nabe‐Nielsen, Stephanie M. Harris
Abstract
Understanding and predicting optimal movement decisions in complex and dynamic landscapes requires identifying the mechanisms driving movements, beyond correlations or simple energetic trade-offs between costs and gains. This is increasingly important as human activities transform landscapes at unprecedented rates, altering environmental predictability. As a result, animals must continually relearn and adapt to transformed, often degraded, environments, with consequences for their movement and fitness. We propose a structured movement framework that integrates abiotic and biotic drivers of foraging decisions. The net energyscape reflects spatial variation in net energy gains, while the optimal movement landscape includes non-energetic external modifiers, such as the landscape of fear. This framework opens improved avenues for more accurately identifying critical habitats and informing effective conservation strategies.