Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
4376280 | Ecological Modelling | 2013 | 6 Pages |
We construct a stochastic patch occupancy metapopulation model that incorporates variation in habitat quality and an Allee-like effect. Using some basic results from stochastic ordering, we investigate the effect of habitat degradation on the persistence of the metapopulation. In particular, we show that for a metapopulation with Allee-like effect habitat degradation can cause a dramatic decrease in the level of persistence while in the absence of an Allee-like effect this decrease is more gradual.
► We examine the effect of habitat quality and an Allee effect in metapopulations. ► Without Allee effect, persistence level is robust to changes in habitat quality. ► Dramatic decrease in persistence level can occur in the presence of Allee effect.