Corridors and connectivity: when use and function do not equate |
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| Authors: | Kerrilee Horskins Peter B Mather John C Wilson |
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| Institution: | (1) School of Natural Resource Sciences, R Block, Queensland University of Technology, G.P.O. Box 2434, 2 George Street, Brisbane, 4001, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Connectivity, or the integration of populations into a single demographic unit, is an often desired, but largely untested
aspect of wildlife corridors. Using a corridor system that was established at least 85 years prior, we investigated the extent
of connectivity provided. This was undertaken using a combined ecological and genetic approach with connectivity estimated
by gene flow. Vegetation within the corridor was found to be comparable in physical structure and species composition to that
within the connected patches and the two target species (Melomys cervinipes and Uromys caudimaculatus) were shown to occur along the corridor but not within the surrounding matrix. These factors indicated that the corridor
was suitable for use as a model system. The population structure (weights of individuals, sex ratios and the percentage of
juveniles) of both species were also similar within the corridor and the connected patches suggesting that the corridor provided
the resources necessary to sustain breeding populations along its length. Despite this, populations in patches linked by the
corridor were found to show the same significant levels of genetic differentiation as those in isolated habitats. M. cervinipes, but not U. caudimaculatus, also showed population differentiation within the continuous habitat. Although based on only one corridor system, these
results clearly demonstrate that connectivity between connected populations will not always be achieved by the construction
or retention of a corridor and that connectivity cannot be inferred solely from the presence of individuals, or breeding populations,
within the corridor.
C. Wilson: deceased |
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| Keywords: | Connectivity Gene flow Habitat use Matrix Melomys cervinipes Populations Rainforest Uromys caudimaculatus Wildlife corridor |
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