Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1086/428293
Title (Primary) Metapopulation persistence in heterogeneous landscapes: lessons about the effect of stochasticity
Author Frank, K. ORCID logo
Source Titel American Naturalist
Year 2005
Department OESA
Volume 165
Issue 3
Page From 374
Page To 388
Language englisch
Abstract

This article addresses an important aspect of the analysis of metapopulation persistence. It highlights some consequences of ignoring and including stochasticity in the sequence of extinction and colonization events. The results are based on a comparative analysis of the outcomes of two (one deterministic, one stochastic) spatially realistic metapopulation models and a search for common effects and differences. One key result of the article is that, under certain conditions, there are extra effects of the landscape structure (number and configuration of patches, patch size distribution) on metapopulation persistence if stochasticity is included. In these cases, ignoring or including stochasticity can change conclusions about the persistence status but also ranking orders, relative results, and qualitative trends. A list of conditions is provided under which including stochasticity is vital to prevent counterproductive conclusions about metapopulation persistence. The results of the overall study are condensed in five lessons about the effect of stochasticity. A number of implications for ecological theory and conservation management are discussed. The study demonstrates the potential of three recently published approximation formulas (metapopulation capacity (lambda)M, mean lifetime Tm, and effective number of patches ) to serve as tools for ecological analysis and thinking.

Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=3322
Frank, K. (2005):
Metapopulation persistence in heterogeneous landscapes: lessons about the effect of stochasticity
Am. Nat. 165 (3), 374 - 388 10.1086/428293