Simulating Null Games for Uncertainty Evaluation in Green Security Games

Abstract

Rhino poaching is a persistent problem in Southern Africa which may lead to the extinction of the white and black rhinoceros. Recent studies have shown that the Stackelberg model can be an effective tool for security games through optimal resource allocation strategies. Few of these studies focus their attention on wildlife crime or, more generally, green security games in which frequent attacks occur. Furthermore, there does not appear to be a standard way to evaluate the uncertainty and performance of such models. In this work, a simulation platform that emulates realistic movement of rhinos, rangers and poachers in the park, is presented which can ultimately be used for evaluation of game theory models. The game theory model implemented in the simulation platform is evaluated using the uncertainty representation and evaluation framework (URREF) ontology.