Towards a measure of functional connectivity: local synchrony matches small scale movements in a woodland edge butterfly

Powney, Gary D.; Broaders, Lorraine K.; Oliver, Tom H.. 2012 Towards a measure of functional connectivity: local synchrony matches small scale movements in a woodland edge butterfly. Landscape Ecology, 27 (8). 1109-1120. 10.1007/s10980-012-9771-y

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Abstract/Summary

This study investigates the sensitivity of local synchrony to movement patterns of the Ringlet butterfly (Aphantopus hyperantus). We examine whether population synchrony, describing the correlated fluctuations of conspecific populations, may prove an effective surrogate measure for monitoring functional connectivity in this species without the requirement of exhaustive sampling. We compared the effect on population synchrony of two different distance measures, direct (Euclidean) distance and distance via woodland rides and edges, and also of habitat matrix composition. Population synchrony of A. hyperantus was calculated as the pairwise correlation between population time-series using 20 years of data from UK butterfly monitoring scheme transects. Local population synchrony was better explained by distance via woodland edges than direct distance, especially for woodland-dominated transects. These results are consistent with mark-recapture data previously collected on the Ringlet butterfly. The results indicate a sensitivity of population synchrony to butterfly local dispersal behaviour, particularly, to the use of habitat corridors and other functional dispersal routes. Population synchrony is considered to have potential as a surrogate measure of functional connectivity. With development, this method could become a valuable conservation tool for identifying important landscape features which promote species’ connectivity.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1007/s10980-012-9771-y
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biodiversity
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Pywell
ISSN:	0921-2973
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	This document is the author’s final manuscript version of the journal article, incorporating any revisions agreed during the peer review process. Some differences between this and the publisher’s version remain. You are advised to consult the publisher’s version if you wish to cite from this article. The final publication is available at link.springer.com
Additional Keywords:	landscape permeability, dispersal corridors, habitat matrix, population synchrony, Aphantopus hyperantus
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	23 Jul 2012 13:02 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/18841

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1007/s10980-012-9771-y

Programmes:

CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biodiversity

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Pywell

ISSN:

0921-2973

Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:

This document is the author’s final manuscript version of the journal article, incorporating any revisions agreed during the peer review process. Some differences between this and the publisher’s version remain. You are advised to consult the publisher’s version if you wish to cite from this article. The final publication is available at link.springer.com

Additional Keywords:

landscape permeability, dispersal corridors, habitat matrix, population synchrony, Aphantopus hyperantus

NORA Subject Terms:

Ecology and Environment

Date made live:

23 Jul 2012 13:02 +0 (UTC)

URI:

https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/18841