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Published on: March 13, 2014
Individual dispersal, landscape connectivity and ecological networks
Michel Baguette1, Simon Blanchet, Delphine Legrand
1Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, UMR 7205 CNRS-MNHN-UPMC Origine, Structure et Evolution de la Biodiversité, F-75005, Paris, France. baguette@mnhn.fr
Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society
|November 27, 2012
Summary
Landscape connectivity estimates improve by integrating dispersal theory. Genetic tools reveal gene flow and landscape impacts, aiding in designing species-specific ecological networks using umbrella species.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Population Genetics
Background:
- Landscape connectivity is traditionally viewed as organism movement across space.
- Operationalizing connectivity requires understanding the drivers and patterns of organism dispersal.
- Dispersal is influenced by organism traits and landscape characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance landscape connectivity estimates by incorporating dispersal theory.
- To highlight the multi-causal nature of dispersal beyond simple habitat suitability.
- To emphasize the role of selection in shaping dispersal strategies and their impact on connectivity.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing dispersal theory to identify key factors influencing movement.
- Recommending the use of genetic tools to assess gene flow and landscape impacts.
- Proposing a method for designing ecological networks using species-specific connectivity data.
Main Results:
- Dispersal is complex, influenced by costs/benefits of dispersal vs. philopatry, and varies with species and individual responses.
- Dispersal strategies are subject to strong selection, leading to adaptive changes that affect connectivity over time and space.
- Genetic analyses provide precise data on gene flow and landscape features influencing connectivity.
Conclusions:
- Genetic tools are crucial for accurate assessment of landscape connectivity and gene flow.
- Effective conservation strategies require species- and landscape-specific approaches to connectivity.
- Ecological networks can be built by integrating connectivity data for multiple species, utilizing umbrella species for broader ecosystem representation.
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