Systems Modeling Laboratory:
An Integrated Approach to Landscape and Biodiversity Study

Jianguo (Jack) Liu, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
Jliu@perm3.fw.msu.edu, 355-1810 (phone), 432-1699 (fax)

Systems Modeling Laboratory in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife focuses on understanding the dynamics and interactions of ecological, social, economic, and political systems at broad scales. We tend to focus at the landscape scale as perceived by humans, e.g. 10's to 1000's of kilometers in space and years to decades in time. Our particular interests center around understanding how the interactions among ecological and socioeconomic processes affect wildlife habitats and wildlife populations and, more broadly, overall biodiversity. 

To accomplish these objectives, we extensively utilize computer modeling and simulations to handle the complex systems that we typically encounter in our research.
We also use remote sensing and geographical information systems technologies to construct databases that serve as the basis for our modeling efforts. 

Example projects include (1) Landscape Dynamics and Wildlife Habitats in Two Michigan Watersheds, (2) Understanding and Predicting Landscape Dynamics: Integration of Ecological and Human Dimensions for Ecosystem Management, (3) White-tailed Deer Management Model, and (4) Effects of Human Populations and Activities on Giant Panda Habitat in the Wolong Nature Reserve (China).