Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.biocon.2015.09.028
Title (Primary) Modelling potential success of conservation translocations of a specialist grassland butterfly
Author Heikkinen, R.K.; Pöyry, J.; Virkkala, R.; Bocedi, G.; Kuussaari, M.; Schweiger, O.; Settele, J.; Travis, J.M.J.
Source Titel Biological Conservation
Year 2015
Department BZF
Volume 192
Page From 200
Page To 206
Language englisch
Supplements https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0006320715301208-mmc1.docx
Keywords Conservation translocation; Dispersal; Grassland conservation; Dynamic modelling; Population persistence; Risk spreading
UFZ wide themes RU1;
Abstract Success rates for conservation translocations of species are low and there is a need for increased understanding of how this activity is best applied. Here, using static species distribution models and a spatially-explicit dynamic simulation model, RangeShifter, we examine the impacts of habitat cover in recipient landscapes, allocation of individuals into multiple sites and species trait characteristics on the long-term fate of hypothetical translocations of a grassland specialist butterfly, Maniola jurtina, in Finland. While persistence of populations introduced to climatically suitable locations northwards of the current range can be increased by selecting sites with increasing habitat cover and by allocation of individuals to multiple release sites, local population growth rate is shown to be the key parameter in determining likely translocation success. We conclude that the long-term persistence of translocated habitat specialist butterflies, particularly with low growth rates, appears to be uncertain in modern-day fragmented grassland networks and that translocation activities should prioritize management that improves local growth rate.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=16590
Heikkinen, R.K., Pöyry, J., Virkkala, R., Bocedi, G., Kuussaari, M., Schweiger, O., Settele, J., Travis, J.M.J. (2015):
Modelling potential success of conservation translocations of a specialist grassland butterfly
Biol. Conserv. 192 , 200 - 206 10.1016/j.biocon.2015.09.028