I am working on a small mammal detection-non detection data using dynamic occupancy models. The parameters I have are probabilities of occupancy, detection, colonization and extinction. The same dataset has been used for estimating survival, recruitment and other demographic parameters of species using Capture Mark Recapture models which show a positive influence of rainfall on survival probability. My analysis also show positive influence of rainfall on colonization of the small mammal community which makes a lot of sense. Now I want to connect my results to the previous results but am struggling to find a way or a study that links survival and colonization that I can refer to? It could be confusing because survival analysis is done at individual level and colonization analysis is done at species level. Probably survival would benefit colonization but I'd require an empirical notation or a study that has done both and shows that indeed these both are directly related? Thank you!
There are many different models and studies that have attempted to quantify the relationship between the survival and colonization of species. However, this relationship is complex and influenced by many different factors, making it challenging to describe with a single equation or model.
One well-known model in this area is the Allee effect, which states that the population growth rate of a species decreases as the population size becomes smaller. The Allee effect can influence the survival and colonization of a species by making it more difficult for small populations to establish and persist in a new area.
Another model that has been used to describe the relationship between survival and colonization is the metapopulation model. This model considers a species as a collection of subpopulations that are connected by dispersal and migration. The metapopulation model considers the balance between local extinctions and colonization events, and how they influence the overall persistence and distribution of a species.
There are also many empirical studies that have investigated the relationship between survival and colonization by tracking populations of species over time and observing patterns of establishment and persistence. These studies often use statistical methods to quantify the relationship between population size, dispersal rate, and other factors that influence survival and colonization.
In conclusion, while there is no single equation or model that provides a direct relationship between survival and colonization of a species, there are many different approaches and models that can provide insight into this complex relationship. The exact nature of the relationship will depend on the specific species and system, as well as a variety of environmental and biotic factors.
There are classic sources that should help direct you in your quest for a unitary colonization model. Clearly, colonization cannot occur without survival (and I would say the Allee Effect is more a model of population decline and extirpation/extinction than of population colonization).
The environmental context in which a given possible colonization event is occurring is key. Island Biogeographic Theory would be informative here -- see: MacArthur & Wilson (1967) - The Theory of Island Biogeography; MacArthur (1972) - Geographical Ecology; Brown (1995) - Macroecology. Lots of graphical figures in these sources that model possible survival trajectories and outcomes of population colonizations. But, the context of any given population colonization event/process is pivotal -- this is likely a key reason you are finding it difficult to conceptualize a unitary model for population colonizations. The classic MacArthur & Wilson colonization scenario where a founding population reaches an off-shore island is just one conceptualization (e.g., there would also be need to consider whether the island was located on a continental shelf adjacent to the mainland source region for a colonizing population, or whether it was an oceanic island). Of course, the "island" conceptualization also applies to habitat blocks (e.g., protected areas) in continental regions. The taxon/taxa involved in the colonization(s) you are looking to model would be another significant variable to consider... you mention a small mammal community -- how many mammalian orders/genera/species are represented? What is the body size range across the mammalian community taxa? Such model parameters would undoubtedly be different for mammalian taxa (as opposed to amphibian, reptile, avian, or other taxonomic groups), and could also vary considerably across different mammalian taxa (with body size being a prime limiting factor in colonization events -- i.e., dispersal ability -- and outcomes).
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Phytochemistry
- Extracts