PATCH: A Spatially Explicit Life History Simulator for Terrestrial Vertebrates

摘要

A new spatially explicit life history simulator has been developed to aidresearchers exploring the possible influences of habitat pattern on the viability of populations of terrestrial vertebrates. The model is especially useful for evaluating the consequences for wildlife species of habitat change through time. The model is discussed in the manuscript, and a case study is presented that illustrates its use. Results from the case study suggest that relationships between population viability and anthropogenic stressors developed for one region may, in certain cases, be extrapolated to other very different regions. This research is useful for investigators involved in the development of theory linking population viability analysis to landscape structure and anthropogenic disturbance.