Discrete Math Project - Essay Example

Application of the Leslie Matrix Model in the Management of Wildlife Leslie matrix is a discrete and age-structured model used in representing the population by abundances vector of differing age classes represented in rows and columns (Webpages.uidaho.edu). The matrix has a number of applications in wildlife management, as it is useful in determining the dynamics of the animal’s population given that births and deaths are age-dependent. An important application of the matrix in wildlife management is projecting the population growth of specific animals or a certain species.

Using the Leslie matrix model, which is based on the multiplication of the Leslie Matrix and the Population vector, institutions managing wildlife are able to project the population of a particular species to determine the translocations and reintroductions, for example, the population growth of helmeted honeyeater in Australia. Additionally, the model projects male and female components of the spices population where g age-specific data for female and male species are available (Webpages.uidaho.edu). The Leslie Matrix model is also applied in calculating age-specific survival and fecundity that determine the reproductive value from a specific multi-year census.

Consequently, the model is important to the wildlife management’s population viability analysis (PVA), which is used to determine the threats or risks to a specific species in the wildlife. Using the equation, t+1= λ t where λ is replaced with the age-specific survival and fecundity rates, the institutions managing wildlife are able to determine survival and reproductive value for each species (Webpages.uidaho.edu). The model is further applied in wildlife management in the control of invasive species where the survival and reproductive value is low for a specific species.

Work CitedWebpages.uidaho.edu,. Lab 10: Leslie Matrices. N.p., 2015. Web. 14 May 2015.