Stochastic control of ecological networks

Dragicevic, AZ and Gurtoo, A (2022) Stochastic control of ecological networks. In: Journal of Mathematical Biology, 85 (1).

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Abstract

The paper models the maintenance of ecological networks in forest environments, built from bioreserves, patches and corridors, when these grids are subject to random processes such as extreme natural events. It also outlines a management plan to support the optimized results. After presenting the random graph-theoretic framework, we apply the stochastic optimal control to the graph dynamics. Our results show that the preservation of the network architecture cannot be achieved, under stochastic control, over the entire duration. It can only be accomplished, at the cost of sacrificing the links between the patches, by increasing the usage of the control devices. This would have a negative effect on the species migration by causing congestion among the channels left at their disposal. The optimal scenario, in which the shadow price is at its lowest and all connections are well-preserved, occurs at half of the course, be it the only optimal stopping moment found on the stochastic optimal trajectories. In such a scenario, the optimal forestry management policy has to integrate agility, integrated response, and quicker response time.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Journal of Mathematical Biology
Publisher:	Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Additional Information:	The copyright for this article belongs to the Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH.
Keywords:	Biodiversity; Bioeconomics; Ecological networks; Forest management; Graph theory; Stochastic optimal control
Department/Centre:	Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences > Management Studies Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences > Centre for Society and Policy (formerly: Centre for Contemporary Studies)
Date Deposited:	28 Jul 2022 05:04
Last Modified:	28 Jul 2022 05:04
URI:	https://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/74999

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