A new ALMaSS model for the spread of rodenticide via poisoned small mammals has been started. This project is related to the high incidence and high concentration of rodenticides found in Danish predators, often with concentrations above the lethal dose. The project will initially develop a simple model for spread based on assumptions of small mammal dispersal and the spatio-temporal dynamics of bait locations. Contact Chris Topping for details New classes for Rodenticide and RodenticideManager will shortly be added to the code.

Topping, C.J. & Lagisz, M. (2012) Spatial Dynamic Factors Affecting Population-Level Risk Assessment for a Terrestrial Arthropod: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment, 18, 168-180. Summary: Agent-based models (ABMs) explicit handling of space and time and integration of nonlinear interactions between system components to create a system response could facilitate realistic risk assessmentmodeling.We used this approach to evaluate the impact of spatial dynamic factors on a theoretical risk assessment of an insecticide on a carabid beetle population (based on Bembidion lampros). Results indicated that both impacts and recovery were dependent on period of application, area treated, spatial distribution of stressor, beetle dispersal, and underlying habitat suitability. The impact of the stressor was detected far outside the area to which it was applied, and the extent of this impact was affected by beetle dispersal and landscape structure. T...(see more)