Virtual corridors for conservation management

Authored by G Pe'er, K Frank, D Saltz

Date Published: 2005

DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2005.00227.x

Sponsors: European Union UFZ-Centre for Environmental Research

Platforms: No platforms listed

Model Documentation: Other Narrative

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

Corridors are usually perceived as clearly visible, linear landscape elements embedded in a hostile environment that connect two or more larger blocks of habitat Animal response to certain aspects of landscape heterogeneity, however can channel their movements into specific routes that may appear similar to their surroundings. These routes can be described as ``virtual corridors{''} (VCs). Here we contribute to the foundation of the concept of VCs and highlight their implications for conservation management. We used an individual-based model to analyze the formation of VCs in the case of hilltopping in butterflies-where males and virgin females ascend to hilltops and mate. We simulated butterfly movements in two different topographically heterogeneous landscapes. We analyzed The movement Patterns with respect to one parameter; the intensity of response to topograpby. Virtual corridor structure depended on the behavioral parameter, landscape, and location of the source patch. Within a realistic range of the behavioral parameter and in a realistic landscape, VC structures may be complex and require individual-based models for their elucidation.

Tags

models Metapopulation habitat Population-dynamics Navigation Butterflies Fragmented landscape Patch connectivity Nonrandom dispersal Iberian lynx