Journal article
Habitat proximity exerts opposing effects on key ecological functions
Landscape Ecology, Vol.33(8), pp.1273-1286
2018
Abstract
Context: Connectivity is an important property of landscapes that shapes populations and ecosystem functioning. We do not know, however, whether and how different types of spatial linkages combine to influence ecological functions, and this hampers their integration into conservation planning. Objectives: We used coral reef seascapes in eastern Australia as a model system to test whether the proximity of other reefs (habitat proximity) or the proximity of other habitats (seascape proximity) exert stronger effects on two key ecological functions (herbivory and piscivory). Methods: We measured rates of herbivory (on fleshy macroalgae) and piscivory (on prey fish) on reefs that differed in their proximity to both other reefs and nearby mangroves and seagrass. Results: The extent of habitat proximity between reefs significantly influenced both ecological functions, but in different ways: isolated reefs supported high herbivory but low piscivory, whilst, conversely, reefs that were closer to other reefs supported high piscivory but low herbivory. This was not caused by herbivores avoiding their predators, as the dominant piscivores (small predatory snappers) were too small to consume the dominant herbivores (large rabbitfishes). Seascape proximity (e.g., distance to mangroves or seagrass) was less important in shaping ecological functions on reefs in this system. Conclusions: We suggest that the effects of seascape configuration on ecological functions depends on the type of spatial linkage, and the ecological functions in question. To better integrate connectivity into conservation, we must develop a deeper understanding of how different spatial linkages combine to shape ecosystem functioning across landscapes.
Details
- Title
- Habitat proximity exerts opposing effects on key ecological functions
- Authors
- Tyson S H Martin (Corresponding Author) - Griffith UniversityAndrew D Olds (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringAsier B H Olalde (Author) - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SwedenCharlotte Berkström (Author) - Stockholm University, SwedenBen Gilby (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringThomas Schlacher (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringIan R Butler (Author) - Australian National UniversityNicholas A Yabsley (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringMaria Zann (Author) - University of QueenslandRod M Connolly (Author) - Griffith University
- Publication details
- Landscape Ecology, Vol.33(8), pp.1273-1286
- Publisher
- Springer Netherlands
- Date published
- 2018
- DOI
- 10.1007/s10980-018-0680-6
- ISSN
- 0921-2973
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450617002621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Ecology
- Geography, Physical
- Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
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