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Related Experiment Videos

Gene flow and functional connectivity in the natterjack toad.

Virginie M Stevens1, Catherine Verkenne, Sofie Vandewoestijne

  • 1UCL, Biodiversity Research Centre, Ecology and Biogeography, Croix du Sud 4, b-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. stevens@ecol.ucl.ac.be

Molecular Ecology
|July 18, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Functional connectivity is crucial for species in fragmented habitats. This study validates landscape connectivity models using natterjack toad dispersal data, showing habitat preferences better predict movement than simple distances.

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Conservation Biology
  • Landscape Genetics

Background:

  • Functional connectivity is vital for species persistence in fragmented landscapes.
  • Estimates of landscape connectivity often lack validation through observed dispersal movements.
  • The natterjack toad (Bufo calamita) is an endangered species facing habitat fragmentation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate functional connectivity for the natterjack toad in a real landscape.
  • To validate connectivity estimates using genetic data and observed dispersal rates.
  • To assess the influence of landscape structure and habitat preferences on species dispersal.

Main Methods:

  • Modeled dispersal using cost distance, incorporating habitat preferences and movement behavior.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Parameterized cost-distance models with experimental data on natterjack toad movement.
  • Compared model predictions with genetic-based dispersal rates using Mantel tests.

    • Main Results:

    • Matrix structure significantly impacts dispersal rates between populations.
    • Cost distance models based on habitat preferences provided a better explanation of dispersal rates than Euclidean distance or patch viscosity.
    • Landscape genetics successfully validated functional connectivity estimates.

    Conclusions:

    • Habitat preferences are critical in determining effective landscape connectivity for dispersal.
    • Cost-distance modeling, informed by empirical data, is a valuable tool for assessing functional connectivity.
    • This study demonstrates the power of landscape genetics in validating ecological models for conservation.