You are studying a rare lizard species that occurs on granite outcrops in the wheat belt. What information would you need to know to determine whether this species was distributed as a metapopulation or not? If it does or does not occur as a metapopulation how might this effect consideration of its management?. Ecology
Factors which indicate a population is a metapopulation:
- When a species is divided into small populations because of patchy habitats, the small populations are collectively metapopulations
- Metapopulations are often distributed islands which are separated by a sea of unsuitable habitat
- You would need to know:
o The size of the habitat area
o Population size of the lizard
o Whether the lizards emigrate (to other metapopulations)
o Whether it is a sink or source (reproductively).
- To do this you must measure reproduction and mortality rates and movements between a whole set of local populations
- Can measure adult survival, juvenile survival and fecundity
If the lizard did exist as a metapopulation then management would be made so as to protect the lizard, especially if it already is a source of reproductive effort. If the lizard was a sink, then perhaps efforts would be made to try and make it a sink, such as increased protection, although this is less likely. Things which may be done:
- Stop removal of habitat
- Create protected areas
- Increase awareness
- Legislation
Materials by theme: