Linking Dispersal and Population Dynamics of Small Mammals to Community Dynamics in a Patchy Landscape: a Prospectus for Research.
FELICIA KEESING and RICHARD S. OSTFELD
Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Box AB, Millbrook, New York, 12545, USA
Pages: 15-22
Abstract
Terrestrial landscapes are increasingly subject to fragmentation as a result of both natural and anthropogenic influences. How animals respond to fragmentation in the real world is an important ecological issue. We provide a prospectus for research linking population dynamics of small mammals to community dynamics in patchy landscapes. Our studies in the north-eastern United States demonstrate the importance of patch quality to the population dynamics of white footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) within oak forest patches. These studies also provide evidence for dispersal of mice from patches of high quality to neighbouring patches of lower quality when mouse densities are at or near a peak. We contrast two alternative models for characterizing such dispersal between patch types - the source
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