Comparative studies on the dispersal of the Great Ramshorn (Planorbarius corneus L.): A modelling approach

The Great Ramshorn (Planorbarius corneus L.) is a frequent inhabitat of central European wetlands and floodplains. The dispersal capacity of P. corneus, as a key factor to survival, was analysed using different computer model approaches: a general equation-based model and an individual-based model. Both models came to different conclusions on the maximum covered distances of P. corneus-individuals. The parametrisation of the models were based on detailed laboratory measurements and field experiments performed with specimen of the fen wetland system of Rhin-Havelluch (Brandenburg, North-East Germany). Based on the results of the statistical analysis, the dispersal behaviour could be depicted in the equation-based model as a random walk which implied a relatively regular resource utilisation in long-term simulations.Depicting the dispersal qualities of P. corneus with a highly resolved individual-based model showed distinct local aggregations clusters of the snail-individuals. As a consequence, the resource utilisation was less regularly in the long-term simulations for the individual-based model than it was in the equation-based model. Another characteristic of the individual-based representation was that in the case of several consecutive move steps and based on the autocorrelation of the data the P. corneus-individuals could use a wider area of space.The data from the empirical measurements of short-term dispersal observations of single individuals were integrated within the different model extrapolations. This made it possible to discuss the long-term consequences, like the large dispersal range of the individuals and the spatial distribution of the population in the plane, for the persistence of P. corneus in a real landscape.