Spatial characteristics and species niche attributes modulate the response by aquatic passive dispersers to habitat degradation
Stéphanie Gascón A F , Margarida Machado B C , Jordi Sala A , Luís Cancela da Fonseca D E , Margarida Cristo B C and Dani Boix A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Montilivi, E-17071 Girona, Spain.
B FCT, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.
C CCMar, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.
D CTA, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.
E Laboratório Marítimo da Guia/Centro de Oceanografia, University of Lisbon, Faculty of Sciences, 2750-374, Cascais, Portugal.
F Corresponding author. Email: stephanie.gascon@udg.edu
Marine and Freshwater Research 63(3) 232-245 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF11160
Submitted: 8 July 2011 Accepted: 3 November 2011 Published: 20 December 2011
Abstract
The relative influences of local and regional factors on the distribution of passive dispersers may be altered by habitat degradation, partly via differential effects on species depending on their niche breadths. To study this, we compared the effects of local (pond, water and vegetation characteristics) and regional (Moran’s eigenvector maps) factors on passively dispersing large branchiopod crustaceans from two areas of the Iberian Peninsula differing in habitat condition (i.e. well preserved vs impacted). Species were arranged from generalists to specialists based on niche breadth. We hypothesised that (1) habitat degradation would favour functional homogenisation, resulting in higher occurrences of generalist species in the impacted area; because generalist species are likely to be less dependent on local factors, we also hypothesised that (2) regional factors would be more important in the impacted area. As predicted, the most generalist species had higher occurrences in the impacted area, resulting in functional homogenisation. Ultimately, this process affected metacommunity dynamics that were more influenced by regional than local factors because generalist species were widely distributed regardless of habitat degradation.
Additional keywords: Anostraca, habitat conservation, logistic regression, Mediterranean ponds, Notostraca, OMI analyses, spatial ecology, Spinicaudata, temporary pool.
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