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Milles A, Banitz T, Bielcik M, Frank K, Gallagher CA, Jeltsch F, Jepsen JU, Oro D, Radchuk V, Grimm V. Local buffer mechanisms for population persistence. Trends Ecol Evol 2023; 38:1051-1059. [PMID: 37558537 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Assessing and predicting the persistence of populations is essential for the conservation and control of species. Here, we argue that local mechanisms require a better conceptual synthesis to facilitate a more holistic consideration along with regional mechanisms known from metapopulation theory. We summarise the evidence for local buffer mechanisms along with their capacities and emphasise the need to include multiple buffer mechanisms in studies of population persistence. We propose an accessible framework for local buffer mechanisms that distinguishes between damping (reducing fluctuations in population size) and repelling (reducing population declines) mechanisms. We highlight opportunities for empirical and modelling studies to investigate the interactions and capacities of buffer mechanisms to facilitate better ecological understanding in times of ecological upheaval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Milles
- Department of Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, University of Potsdam, Am Muhlenberg 3, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany; Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; Nationalparkamt Hunsrück-Hochwald, Research, Biotope- and Wildlife Management, Brückener Straße 24, 55765 Birkenfeld, Germany.
| | - Thomas Banitz
- Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Milos Bielcik
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology, Altensteinstr. 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany; Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Karin Frank
- Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; University of Osnabrück, Institute for Environmental Systems Research, Barbarastr. 12, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstr. 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cara A Gallagher
- Department of Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, University of Potsdam, Am Muhlenberg 3, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Florian Jeltsch
- Department of Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, University of Potsdam, Am Muhlenberg 3, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany; Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jane Uhd Jepsen
- Department of Arctic Ecology, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, Hjalmar Johansens gt.14, 9007 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Daniel Oro
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB - CSIC), Acces Cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300 Blanes, Girona, Spain.
| | - Viktoriia Radchuk
- Ecological Dynamics Department, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Volker Grimm
- Department of Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, University of Potsdam, Am Muhlenberg 3, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany; Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstr. 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Atencio GWG, Zanini R, Deprá M, Romanowski HP. Preliminary population studies of the grassland swallowtail butterfly Euryades corethrus (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae). AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2023; 95:e20210503. [PMID: 37341269 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202320210503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Euryades corethrus is a Troidini butterfly (Papilionidae, Papilioninae), endemic to grasslands in southern Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. Formerly abundant, nowadays it is in the Red list of endangered species for those areas. During its larval stage, it feeds on Aristolochia spp, commonly found in southern grasslands. These native grassland areas are diminishing, being converted to crops and pastures, causing habitat loss for Aristolochia and E. corethrus. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity, population structure and demographic history of E. corethrus. We sampled eight populations from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and based on Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) molecular marker, our results suggest a low genetic variability between populations, presence of gene flow and, consequently, lack of population structure. A single maternally inherited-genetic marker is insufficient for population-level decisions, but barcoding is a useful tool during early stages of population investigation, bringing out genomic diversity patterns within the target species. Those populations likely faced a bottleneck followed by a rapid expansion during the last glaciation and subsequent stabilization in effective population size. Habitat loss is a threat, which might cause isolation, loss of genetic variability and, ultimately, extinction of E. corethrus if no habitat conservation policy is adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Wagner G Atencio
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Bloco IV, Prédio 43433, Sala 214, Agronomia, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Zoologia, Laboratório de Ecologia de Insetos, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Bloco IV, Prédio 43435, Sala 218, Agronomia, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Centro de Ecologia, Evolução e Alterações Ambientais, Edifício C2, 5.º piso, Sala 2.5.46, Código Postal 1749-016, Campo Grande, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rebeca Zanini
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Genética, Laboratório de Drosophila, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43323, Sala 210, Agronomia, 90650-001 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Laboratório de Biomedicina Integrativa, Rua do Instituto Bacteriológico 5, Código Postal 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maríndia Deprá
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Bloco IV, Prédio 43433, Sala 214, Agronomia, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Genética, Laboratório de Drosophila, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43323, Sala 210, Agronomia, 90650-001 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43312 M, Caixa Postal 15053, Agronomia, 90650-001 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Helena P Romanowski
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Bloco IV, Prédio 43433, Sala 214, Agronomia, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Zoologia, Laboratório de Ecologia de Insetos, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Bloco IV, Prédio 43435, Sala 218, Agronomia, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Yamaura Y, Fletcher RJ, Lade SJ, Higa M, Lindenmayer D. From nature reserve to mosaic management: Improving matrix survival, not permeability, benefits regional populations under habitat loss and fragmentation. J Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Yamaura
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra Australia
- Shikoku Research Center Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute Kochi Japan
| | - Robert J. Fletcher
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
| | - Steven J. Lade
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra Australia
- Stockholm Resilience Centre Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| | - Motoki Higa
- Faculty of Science and Technology Kochi University Kochi Japan
| | - David Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra Australia
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Riparian areas potentially provide crucial corridors through fragmented landscape for black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla) source-sink system. CONSERV GENET 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-020-01314-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Heinrichs JA, Walker LE, Lawler JJ, Schumaker NH, Monroe KC, Bleisch AD. Recent Advances and Current Challenges in Applying Source-Sink Theory to Species Conservation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40823-019-00039-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Heinrichs JA, Lawler JJ, Schumaker NH, Wilsey CB, Monroe KC, Aldridge CL. A multispecies test of source-sink indicators to prioritize habitat for declining populations. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2018; 32:648-659. [PMID: 29193292 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
For species at risk of decline or extinction in source-sink systems, sources are an obvious target for habitat protection actions. However, the way in which source habitats are identified and prioritized can reduce the effectiveness of conservation actions. Although sources and sinks are conceptually defined using both demographic and movement criteria, simplifications are often required in systems with limited data. To assess the conservation outcomes of alternative source metrics and resulting prioritizations, we simulated population dynamics and extinction risk for 3 endangered species. Using empirically based habitat population models, we linked habitat maps with measured site- or habitat-specific demographic conditions, movement abilities, and behaviors. We calculated source-sink metrics over a range of periods of data collection and prioritized consistently high-output sources for conservation. We then tested whether prioritized patches identified the habitats that most affected persistence by removing them and measuring the population response. Conservation decisions based on different source-sink metrics and durations of data collection affected species persistence. Shorter time series obscured the ability of metrics to identify influential habitats, particularly in temporally variable and slowly declining populations. Data-rich source-sink metrics that included both demography and movement information did not always identify the habitats with the greatest influence on extinction risk. In some declining populations, patch abundance better predicted influential habitats for short-term regional persistence. Because source-sink metrics (i.e., births minus deaths; births and immigrations minus deaths and emigration) describe net population conditions and cancel out gross population counts, they may not adequately identify influential habitats in declining populations. For many nonequilibrium populations, new metrics that maintain the counts of individual births, deaths, and movement may provide additional insight into habitats that most influence persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Heinrichs
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, P.O. Box 352100, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, U.S.A
| | - Joshua J Lawler
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, P.O. Box 352100, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
| | - Nathan H Schumaker
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, U.S.A
| | - Chad B Wilsey
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, P.O. Box 352100, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
| | - Kira C Monroe
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, P.O. Box 352100, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, U.S.A
| | - Cameron L Aldridge
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, U.S.A
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Wood CW, Wice EW, Del Sol J, Paul S, Sanderson BJ, Brodie ED. Constraints Imposed by a Natural Landscape Override Offspring Fitness Effects to Shape Oviposition Decisions in Wild Forked Fungus Beetles. Am Nat 2018; 191:524-538. [PMID: 29570398 DOI: 10.1086/696218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Oviposition site decisions often maximize offspring fitness, but costs constraining choice can cause females to oviposit in poor developmental environments. It is unclear whether these constraints cumulatively outweigh offspring fitness to determine oviposition decisions in wild populations. Understanding how constraints shape oviposition in natural landscapes is a critical step toward revealing how maternal behavior influences fundamental phenomena like the evolution of specialization and the use of sink environments. Here, we used a genetic capture-recapture technique to reconstruct the oviposition decisions of individual females in a natural metapopulation of a beetle (Bolitotherus cornutus) that oviposits on three fungus species. We measured larval fitness-related traits (mass, development time, survival) on each fungus and compared the oviposition preferences of females in laboratory versus field tests. Larval fitness differed substantially among fungi, and females preferred a high-quality (high larval fitness) fungus in laboratory trials. However, females frequently laid eggs on the lowest-quality fungus in the wild. They preferred high-quality fungi when moving between oviposition sites, but this preference disappeared as the distance between sites increased and was inconsistent between study plots. Our results suggest that constraints on oviposition preferences in natural landscapes are sufficiently large to drive oviposition in poor developmental environments even when offspring fitness consequences are severe.
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Schumaker NH, Brookes A. HexSim: a modeling environment for ecology and conservation. LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY 2018; 33:197-211. [PMID: 29545713 PMCID: PMC5846496 DOI: 10.1007/s10980-017-0605-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Simulation models are increasingly used in both theoretical and applied studies to explore system responses to natural and anthropogenic forcing functions, develop defensible predictions of future conditions, challenge simplifying assumptions that facilitated past research, and to train students in scientific concepts and technology. Researcher's increased use of simulation models has created a demand for new platforms that balance performance, utility, and flexibility. OBJECTIVES We describe HexSim, a powerful new spatially-explicit, individual-based modeling framework that will have applications spanning diverse landscape settings, species, stressors, and disciplines (e.g. ecology, conservation, genetics, epidemiology). We begin with a model overview and follow-up with a discussion of key formative studies that influenced HexSim's development. We then describe specific model applications of relevance to readers of Landscape Ecology. Our goal is to introduce readers to this new modeling platform, and to provide examples characterizing its novelty and utility. CONCLUSIONS With this publication, we conclude a >10 year development effort, and assert that our HexSim model is mature, robust, extremely well tested, and ready for adoption by the research community. The HexSim model, documentation, worked examples, and other materials can be freely obtained from the website www.hexsim.net.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan H Schumaker
- US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR, 97330. USA
| | - Allen Brookes
- US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR, 97330. USA
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Heinrichs JA, Aldridge CL, O’Donnell MS, Schumaker NH. Using dynamic population simulations to extend resource selection analyses and prioritize habitats for conservation. Ecol Modell 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2017.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Heinrichs JA, Lawler JJ, Schumaker NH. Intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of source-sink dynamics. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:892-904. [PMID: 26941935 PMCID: PMC4761763 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many factors affect the presence and exchange of individuals among subpopulations and influence not only the emergence, but the strength of ensuing source–sink dynamics within metapopulations. Yet their relative contributions remain largely unexplored. To help identify the characteristics of empirical systems that are likely to exhibit strong versus weak source–sink dynamics and inform their differential management, we compared the relative roles of influential factors in strengthening source–sink dynamics. In a series of controlled experiments within a spatially explicit individual‐based model framework, we varied patch quality, patch size, the dispersion of high‐ and low‐quality patches, population growth rates, dispersal distances, and environmental stochasticity in a factorial design. We then recorded source–sink dynamics that emerged from the simulated habitat and population factors. Long‐term differences in births and deaths were quantified for sources and sinks in each system and used in a statistical model to rank the influences of key factors. Our results suggest that systems with species capable of rapid growth, occupying habitat patches with more disparate qualities, with interspersed higher‐ and lower‐quality habitats, and that experience relatively stable environments (i.e., fewer negative perturbations) are more likely to exhibit strong source–sink dynamics. Strong source–sink dynamics emerged under diverse combinations of factors, suggesting that simple inferences of process from pattern will likely be inadequate to predict and assess the strength of source–sink dynamics. Our results also suggest that it may be more difficult to detect and accurately measure source–sink dynamics in slow‐growing populations, highly variable environments, and where a subtle gradient of habitat quality exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Heinrichs
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences University of Washington P.O. Box 352100 Seattle WA 98195-2100
| | - Joshua J Lawler
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences University of Washington P.O. Box 352100 Seattle WA 98195-2100
| | - Nathan H Schumaker
- Western Ecology Division U.S. EPA 200 SW 35th St. Corvallis Oregon 97333
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