NEIGHBOUR-IN: Image processing software for spatial analysis of animal grouping.
Animal grouping is a very complex process that occurs in many species, involving many individuals under the influence of different mechanisms. To investigate this process, we have created an image processing software, called NEIGHBOUR-IN, designed to analyse individuals' coordinates belonging to up to three different groups. The software also includes statistical analysis and indexes to discriminate aggregates based on spatial localisation of individuals and their neighbours. After the description of the software, the indexes computed by the software are illustrated using both artificial patterns and case studies using the spatial distribution of woodlice. The added strengths of this software and methods are also discussed.
Université de Poitiers - Faculté des Sciences, UMR CNRS 7267 EBI - "Écologie, Évolution, Symbiose", Bat. B8-B35; 6, rue Michel Brunet, TSA 51106, F-86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France.
Yves
Y
Caubet
Université de Poitiers - Faculté des Sciences, UMR CNRS 7267 EBI - "Écologie, Évolution, Symbiose", Bat. B8-B35; 6, rue Michel Brunet, TSA 51106, F-86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France.
Freddie-Jeanne
FJ
Richard
Inter-individual distances; aggregation; individual attraction; spatial distribution