The metapopulation concept
The metapopulation concept is based on the assumption that sub-populations of a particular species are linked to form a metapopulation via a dynamic process of extinction and migration. The landscape-ecological metapopulation concept has shown itself to be highly successful on land and has led to the development of landscape-ecological models of considerable importance to nature conservation and development, government policy and the Ecological Main Structure. The development of this concept is also vital in terms of managing the sea and coastal zones. Backed up by the METAPHOR model, the metapopulation concept lends support to the policy document claiming that the inflexible (EU) regulations for highly dynamic species and habitats is ecologically counterproductive and will (eventually) need to be modified. This is particularly innovative in terms of the EU Birds and Habitats Directive.
This research makes a reasonable case for the need to compile accurate records of the population dynamics for coastal birds, such as the common tern, using a spatially explicit metapopulation model (METAPHOR). The processes simulated in the model, such as reproduction, death, colonisation and extinction, show fluctuations in the population at local and metapopulation level, and compare them with fluctuations recorded in the field. Nonetheless, supplementary data is needed to improve the model so that the results can be applied in real situations.
METAPHOR
Article: The consequences of being colonial: Allee effects in metapopulations of seabirds
Presentation: Resilience and alternative stable states in metapopulations of colonial (sea)birds
Poster: The consequences of being colonial: Allee effects and alternative stable equilibria in seabird metapopulations
Rapport: Is the metapopulation concept applicable to the North Sea?
Abstract: Seabird metapopulations: searching for alternative breeding habitats