Landscape distribution and grazing management of small ruminants are becoming more important issues as the sheep and goat industry continues to grow. The objective of this study was to evaluate spatial movement patterns of sheep and goats in Queensland, Australia using Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking to determine daily distance traveled, distance traveled from water, activity levels, and the influence of ambient temperature on these metrics. Optimized hotspot analysis was also performed to determine areas of increased small ruminant presence across the landscape. GPS positions were recorded at 10-min intervals over the course of several months. Sheep and goats traveled an average distance from water of 0.6–1.1 km, with a maximum of 2.4 km. Daily distance traveled of sheep and goats averaged 6–9 km·d, with a maximum of 11 km·d. Average daily activity ranged between 42% and 47%. The overall trend of the datum showed that increased temperature led to decreased daily distance traveled, distance traveled from water, and activity of sheep and goats. The hotspot analyses showed a higher concentration of sheep and goats near water sources. Understanding small ruminant distribution in extensive rangeland pastures helps producers implement management regimes to improve efficacy and sustainability of land use and production.

中文翻译：

---

使用全球定位系统跟踪评估大规模小型反刍动物作业中的景观分布

随着绵羊和山羊产业的不断发展，小型反刍动物的景观分布和放牧管理正变得越来越重要。本研究的目的是利用全球定位系统 (GPS) 跟踪来评估澳大利亚昆士兰州绵羊和山羊的空间运动模式，以确定每日行走距离、离开水的距离、活动水平以及环境温度对这些指标的影响。还进行了优化的热点分析，以确定整个景观中小型反刍动物数量增加的区域。在几个月的时间里，GPS 位置每隔 10 分钟被记录一次。绵羊和山羊离开水的平均距离为 0.6-1.1 公里，最长可达 2.4 公里。绵羊和山羊每日行走距离平均为6~9公里·天，最长为11公里·天。平均每日活动范围在 42% 至 47% 之间。数据的总体趋势表明，气温升高导致每日行走距离、离水距离以及绵羊和山羊的活动减少。热点分析显示，水源附近绵羊和山羊的集中度较高。了解小型反刍动物在广阔牧场的分布有助于生产者实施管理制度，以提高土地利用和生产的效率和可持续性。