The application of graph theory and percolation analysis for assessing change in the spatial configuration of pond networks

• DOI: 10.1007/s11252-017-0724-8
• Publication Date: 2017-12-17T23:27:03Z
• Authors: Ian Thornhill; Lesley Batty; Matthew Hewitt; Nikolai R. Friberg; Mark E. Ledger
• Keywords: Ephemeral key; Ecological network

Pond networks support high levels of biodiversity when compared to other freshwater ecosystems such as rivers, lakes and streams. The persistence species in these small, sometimes ephemeral, aquatic habitats depends on the dispersal individuals among ponds landscape. However, number across landscape is at a historical low urbanisation intensified agricultural practices have led substantial loss (nodes pond network) over more than century. Here, we examine extent drivers heavily urbanised (Birmingham, UK) 105 years determine how influences key structural properties network using graph theoretic approaches. Specifically, calculated minimum spanning trees (MST) performed percolation analyses changes both spatial configuration resilience through time. numbers declined by 82% between ca1904 2009, that density decreased from 7.1 km-2 1.3 km-2. MST revealed increased distance (i.e. edge length increased) up 49% 105-year period, indicating modern (2009) were considerably isolated, with fewer neighbours. This study demonstrates theory has an excellent potential inform management order ecological communities are less vulnerable environmental change.