Marine predator movements create seascape connectivity in remote coral reef ecosystems.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Movement of marine predators can connect different habitats and create links that are key for maintaining metapopulation dynamics, genetic diversity, energy flow and trophic links within and between systems. This key ecological process is known as ecological connectivity.

Methods

We used a combination of acoustic telemetry data, network analysis (graph theory), habitat modelling and machine learning methods to quantify movement patterns and habitat use of three coral reef predators (grey reef shark Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, silvertip shark Carcharhinus albimarginatus and red bass Lutjanus bohar). We also assessed how movements and habitat preference influence connectivity in two remote reef systems (Rowley Shoals and Scott Reef) off Northwest Australia.

Resul

SUBMITTER: Ferreira LC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12512746 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature