Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2019.108823
Document accepted manuscript
Title (Primary) Assessment of the key evolutionary traits that prevent extinctions in human-altered habitats using a spatially explicit individual-based model
Author Graciá, E.; Rodríguez-Caro, R.C.; Sanz-Aguilar, A.; Anadón, J.D.; Botella, F.; García-García, A.L.; Wiegand, T.; Giménez, A.
Source Titel Ecological Modelling
Year 2020
Department OESA
Volume 415
Page From art. 108823
Language englisch
Supplements https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S030438001930331X-mmc1.pdf
https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S030438001930331X-mmc2.pdf
https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S030438001930331X-mmc3.pdf
https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S030438001930331X-mmc4.pdf
Keywords Allee effect; Habitat loss and fragmentation; Low-movement species; Mate-finding; Philopatry; Spatial traits
Abstract Identifying key evolutionary strategies that support population persistence remains a challenging task for biodiversity conservation. Here we assess if animal adaptations to cope with low densities (i.e. that facilitate mate-findings or promote spatial aggregation of individuals) can allow species to persist in human-altered habitats. A spatially explicit and individual-based model was developed to assess if, and under what circumstances, such adaptations maintain population viability. The model was parameterised with data from the movement and demography of the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) and simulated scenarios with differences in adult survivorships, initial population sizes and habitat alterations. Habitat alterations reduced population viability, and extinction rates were dependent on population characteristics and mate-finding distance. In contrast, philopatry around the birthplace did not prevent extinctions. Our results highlight the importance of considering specific spatial traits of species when assessing their vulnerability to human habitat alterations.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=22432
Graciá, E., Rodríguez-Caro, R.C., Sanz-Aguilar, A., Anadón, J.D., Botella, F., García-García, A.L., Wiegand, T., Giménez, A. (2020):
Assessment of the key evolutionary traits that prevent extinctions in human-altered habitats using a spatially explicit individual-based model
Ecol. Model. 415 , art. 108823 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2019.108823