Comparative studies on the dispersal of the Great Ramshorn (Planorbarius corneus L.): A modelling approach
Authored by F Jopp
Date Published: 2006
DOI: 10.1016/j.limno.2005.10.003
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Abstract
The Great Ramshorn (Planorbarius corneus L.) is a frequent inhabitat of
central European wetlands and floodplains. The dispersal capacity of P.
corneus, as a key factor to survival, was analysed using different
computer model approaches: a general equation-based model and an
individual-based model. Both models came to different conclusions on the
maximum covered distances of P. corneus-individuals. The parametrisation
of the models were based on detailed laboratory measurements and field
experiments performed with specimen of the fen wetland system of
Rhin-Havelluch (Brandenburg, North-East Germany). Based on the results
of the statistical analysis, the dispersal behaviour could be depicted
in the equation-based model as a random walk which implied a relatively
regular resource utilisation in long-term simulations.
Depicting the dispersal qualities of P. corneus with a highly resolved
individual-based model showed distinct local aggregations clusters of
the snail-individuals. As a consequence, the resource utilisation was
less regularly in the long-term simulations for the individual-based
model than it was in the equation-based model. Another characteristic of
the individual-based representation was that in the case of several
consecutive move steps and based on the autocorrelation of the data the
P. corneus-individuals could use a wider area of space.
The data from the empirical measurements of short-term dispersal
observations of single individuals were integrated within the different
model extrapolations. This made it possible to discuss the long-term
consequences, like the large dispersal range of the individuals and the
spatial distribution of the Population in the plane, for the persistence
of P. corneus in a real landscape. (C) 2005 Elsevier GmbH. All rights
reserved.
Tags
Correlated random-walk
Pulmonata