Patch occupancy in the endangered butterfly Lycaena helle in a fragmented landscape: effects of habitat quality, patch size and isolation |
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Authors: | Stephanie S Bauerfeind Anett Theisen Klaus Fischer |
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Institution: | 1. Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Johann-Sebastian-Bach-Str. 11/12, 7489, Greifswald, Germany 2. Department of Animal Ecology I, University of Bayreuth, Universit?tsstr. 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
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Abstract: | While there is agreement that both habitat quality and habitat network characteristics (such as patch size and isolation)
contribute to the occupancy of patches by any given species, the relative importance of these factors is under debate. This
issue is of fundamental ecological importance, and moreover of special concern for conservation biologists aiming at preserving
endangered species. Against this background we investigated patch occupancy in the violet copper Lycaena helle, one of the rarest butterfly species in Central Europe, in the Westerwald area (Rhineland-Palatinate, Western Germany). Occupied
(n = 102) differed from vacant (n = 128) patches in altitude, size, connectivity, availability of wind shelter, in the abundance of the larval host-plant,
in the abundance of a grass species indicating favorable habitat conditions and in the abundance of nitrophilous plants. Overall,
patch occupancy was primarily determined by patch size, connectivity and the abundance of the larval host plant, while all
other parameters of habitat quality were of subordinate importance. Therefore, our findings suggest that even for extremely
sedentary species such as L. helle habitat networks are decisive and—next to the preservation of habitat quality—need to be an integral part of any conservation
management for this species. |
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Keywords: | Habitat network Conservation biology Metapopulation Butterfly Bistorta officinalis |
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