A model for non-equilibrium metapopulation dynamics utilizing data on species occupancy, patch ages and landscape history

Abstract

Synthesis. The presented approach uses data on only species occurrence, patch age and landscape history to estimate the species colonization rate and dispersal kernel. It can also utilize independent data on local extinction rate. Rather than identifying factors explaining the occurrence pattern, the model estimates the rate of change in the occurrence pattern. This dynamic modelling allows testing general and applied questions on the dynamics or viability of metapopulations of sessile species. The approach is applicable for species whose distribution pattern reflects the past rather than the current landscape structure, for example, certain epiphytes and ground-floor plants.

Keywords

sessile species; Bayesian inference; habitat fragmentation; extinction rate; colonization rate; beech forest; epixylic; equilibrium; epiphytic; dispersal

Published in

Journal of Ecology
2014, volume: 102, number: 3, pages: 678-689
Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL

SLU Authors

• Ruete, Alejandro

  • Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Snäll, Tord

  • Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.12229

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/56456