Modelling Spatio-Temporal Elephant Movement Data: a Generalized Additive Mixed Models Framework

This thesis focuses on understanding how environmental factors influence elephant movement and in investigating the spatio-temporal patterns. The thesis analyses movement data of some African elephants (Loxodonta Africana) living in the Kruger National Park and its associated private reserves of South Africa. Due to heterogeneity among elephants, and nonlinear relationships between elephant movement and environmental variables, Generalized Additive Mixed Models (GAMMs) were employed. Results showed delayed effects of rainfall and temperature and particular trends in time and space.