ABSTRACT
Human infrastructure fragments and degrades habitat, and in turn, subdivides and reduces previously continuous populations. Spatially explicit models have flourished in part because of advances in computational tools, but more importantly, through the development of a much clearer understanding of the complex processes of spatial heterogeneity. O. suranemensis is generally encountered in grain silos. The individual-based simulation model (IBS) is based on a hierarchy of subprocesses that control the individual objects of the system. Input files hold parameters that describe initial populations, habitat structure, and natural history. Sugar diet does not allow reproduction, and the wheat flour with yeast diet is preferred. Elasticity analysis has determined the sensitivity of the IBS predictions to input parameters. Policy and management are driven by keystone species that may be indicators of the entire ecosystem's health or by the umbrella concept where charismatic species may protect many other species in the same habitat.
