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The effect of landscape composition on colonization success, growth rate and dispersal in introduced bush-crickets Metrioptera roeseli

  1. Å. Berggren1,*,
  2. A. Carlson1,
  3. O. Kindvall2

Article first published online: 20 DEC 2001

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2656.2001.00525.x

Issue

Journal of Animal Ecology

Journal of Animal Ecology

Volume 70, Issue 4, pages 663–670, July 2001

Additional Information

How to Cite

Berggren, Å., Carlson, A. and Kindvall, O. (2001), The effect of landscape composition on colonization success, growth rate and dispersal in introduced bush-crickets Metrioptera roeseli. Journal of Animal Ecology, 70: 663–670. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2656.2001.00525.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Conservation Biology, PO Box 7002, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden; and

  2. 2

    Department of Entomology, PO Box 7044, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden

* Dr Å. Berggren, Department of Conservation Biology, PO Box 7002, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden. Fax: + 46 (0)18 67 35 37. E-mail:Asa.Berggren@nvb.slu.se

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 20 DEC 2001
  2. Article first published online: 20 DEC 2001

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Keywords:

  • connectivity;
  • linear landscape elements;
  • nodes;
  • Orthoptera;
  • Tettigoniidae

Summary

  • 1
    Fragmentation and habitat loss affects both existing and introduced populations. Small habitat areas may have harsher biotic and abiotic conditions, as well as restricting population sizes. Loss of connectivity reduces the opportunities for individuals to move between patches to rescue populations or to re-colonize patches. Knowledge of how landscape composition affects the introduced populations is therefore essential for successful management and future re-introductions.
  • 2
    To study the effect of landscape composition and structure on the success of colonization, population growth and dispersal distances, we introduced Roesel’s bush-crickets Metrioptera roeseli to 70 habitat islands in areas previously unoccupied by the species. The introduction sites differed in habitat area and connectivity. The population survival and dispersal were then studied for 5 years after initial introductions.
  • 3
    In addition to results showing the importance of suitable habitat for population persistence, connectivity in form of linear landscape elements and nodes was also crucial. Linear landscape elements and/or nodes were important for colonization success, growth and dispersal. Linear landscape elements and nodes also reduced the negative effects of unsuitable habitat (matrix) and isolation from suitable habitat and on the populations.
  • 4
    These results stress the importance of connectivity in the landscape for population survival and establishment. Consideration of this should be taken into account in both management and re-introductions of bush-crickets and other invertebrates with similar population characteristics and behaviour.
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