Perturbation analysis for patch occupancy dynamics

• DOI: 10.1890/08-0646.1
• Publication Date: 2009-02-12T23:27:22Z
• Authors: Julien Martin; James D. Nichols; Carol L. McIntyre; Gonçalo Ferraz; James E. Hines
• Keywords: Occupancy; Intuition; Vital rates; Extinction (optical mineralogy); Metapopulation

Perturbation analysis is a powerful tool to study population and community dynamics. This article describes expressions for sensitivity metrics reflecting changes in equilibrium occupancy resulting from small the vital rates of patch dynamics (i.e., probabilities local colonization extinction). We illustrate our approach with case Golden Eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos ) nesting territories. Examination hypothesis system suggests that satisfies conditions. Estimates obtained using models are used estimate eagles. then compute estimates discuss their implications eagle ecology management. Finally, we intuition underlying provide examples ecological questions can be addressed perturbation analyses. For instance, lead predictions about relative importance extinction influencing rare common species.