Clustering ecological populations using spectral graph tools
Consider a researcher in Gabon hoping to understand the interconnectivity of Gaboon viper populations in a protected area of Loango National Park (Figure 5.6). Snakes are tagged in seven regions of the park (represented by a vertex), and their tags record their location for the next month. Snakes often will move between regions if their habitat overlaps with multiple regions. It’s possible that multiple populations of snakes exist, giving different territories for different populations of snakes. If the two regions share a regional population, then the two vertices corresponding to these regions will have an edge. If no snakes migrate between regions, two vertices will not share an edge and likely represent different populations. Isolated populations tend to be more vulnerable to climate change, poaching, and habitat loss; understanding species and individual population ranges is critical to conservation efforts.
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