Matrix matters: differences of grand skink metapopulation parameters in native tussock grasslands and exotic pasture grasslands.

ABSTRACT: Modelling metapopulation dynamics is a potentially very powerful tool for conservation biologists. In recent years, scientists have broadened the range of variables incorporated into metapopulation modelling from using almost exclusively habitat patch size and isolation, to the inclusion of attributes of the matrix and habitat patch quality. We investigated the influence of habitat patch and matrix characteristics on the metapopulation parameters of a highly endangered lizard species, the New Zealand endemic grand skink (Oligosoma grande) taking into account incomplete detectability. The predictive ability of the developed zxmetapopulation model was assessed through cross-validation of the data and with an independent data-set. Grand skinks occur on scattered rock-outcrops surrounded by in

SUBMITTER: Gebauer K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3788794 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature