Abstract
The primary focus of studies examining metapopulation processes in dynamic or disturbance-dependent landscapes has been related to spatiotemporal changes in the habitat patches themselves. However, like the habitat patches, opportunities for movement between patches can also exist intermittently in dynamic landscapes, creating transient connectivity windows – which we define as a period of time during which matrix conditions increase the probability of one or more individuals moving successfully between habitat patches. Far less is known about the implications of dynamic changes in connectivity per se, and, to our knowledge, there are no connectivity metrics or metapopulation models that explicitly consider intermittent changes to connectivity between habitat patches. Consequently, in this paper, we examined the peer-reviewed, published literature up to November 2013 to better understand the consequences of variability in connectivity and to highlight knowledge gaps on this topic. First, we describe how connectivity per se can vary along a temporal gradient, offering examples of ecological systems that fall along this gradient. Second, we examine how temporal variability in connectivity is important for metapopulation dynamics, particularly given likely alterations to disturbance regimes as a result of global change. We conclude our review by briefly discussing key avenues for future connectivity-related research, all of which hinge on the need to perceive connectivity as a transient feature.
Highlights
From an organism’s perspective, landscapes can vary in two ways: (1) spatially, through patchiness in habitat suitability, and (2) temporally, through variability in the extent, distribution, and quality of habitat over time [1]
Examples of largely static environments include contiguous expanses of long-lived forests that do not experience largescale disturbances, whereas dynamic environments include, for example, disturbance-dependent successional forests, agricultural landscapes, and ephemeral pool complexes. Those writing in the disturbance ecology literature, have characterized the
We examine how temporal variability in connectivity is important for metapopulation dynamics, given likely alterations to disturbance regimes as a result of global change
Summary
From an organism’s perspective, landscapes can vary in two ways: (1) spatially, through patchiness in habitat suitability, and (2) temporally, through variability in the extent, distribution, and quality of habitat over time [1]. A connectivity window would only open very rarely given a chance dispersal event that causes an empty patch to become occupied Additional research on such systems is needed to better understand temporal variability in connectivity when connectivity is related to the dynamics of other species or individuals. Recent studies on the impacts of anthropogenic change have typically focused on factors other than connectivity (e.g., phenology, demographic rates, habitat availability, and geographic distribution; [74,75,76]) All of these features and others (e.g., population declines, range shifts, species extinctions, and altered community structures) often hinge on connectivity. Research focusing directly on the impacts of anthropogenic change on connectivity in dynamic environments will be critical to adequately understand and manage vulnerable metapopulations on a changing planet
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