Af-Range
Af-Range is an application of the L-Range model to the African continent. The application represents the
entire continent at a 20 km resolution; the maps used in Af-Range are composed of pixels that each
represent a 20 km x 20 km area. Parameters provided describe plant growth in landscape units that are
defined based on the amount and timing of plant production. Computer code describes ecological processes that
represent soil nutrient and water dynamics, vegetation growth, fire, and wild and domestic animal offtake.
Up to 10 herbivore populations can be represented in each landscape cell. For example, the default application
includes cattle, goats, sheep, camels, donkeys, wild grazers, and wild mixed feeders.
A graphical user interface allows users to explore model output. Updates to Af-Range are planned as it is
used to address a variety of questions and data sources and model fit improve.
Our thanks to Dr. Bill Parton, Cindy Keough, and the many others who have contributed to the Century model,
for their permission to allow us to draw from Century. Many of the processes incorporated into Af-Range are
either from Century, or inspired by that model. Inspiration was also drawn from the Savanna Modeling System,
authored by Dr. Michael Coughenour. Other components, especially those simualtion whole plant population changes,
are contributions specific to the L-Range family of models.
- Download (under construction)
