dc.contributor.author | Yabsley, Nicholas A | |
dc.contributor.author | Olds, Andrew D | |
dc.contributor.author | Connolly, Rod M | |
dc.contributor.author | Martin, Tyson SH | |
dc.contributor.author | Gilby, Ben L | |
dc.contributor.author | Maxwell, Paul S | |
dc.contributor.author | Huijbers, Chantal M | |
dc.contributor.author | Schoeman, David S | |
dc.contributor.author | Schlacher, Thomas A | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2018-06-25T05:06:57Z | |
dc.date.available | 2018-06-25T05:06:57Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2016 | |
dc.identifier.issn | 0021-8790 | |
dc.identifier.doi | 10.1111/1365-2656.12460 | |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10072/100084 | |
dc.description.abstract | 1. Connectivity is a pivotal feature of landscapes that affects the structure of populations and
the functioning of ecosystems. It is also a key consideration in conservation planning. But the
potential functional effects of landscape connectivity are rarely evaluated in a conservation
context.
2. The removal of algae by herbivorous fish is a key ecological function on coral reefs that
promotes coral growth and recruitment. Many reef herbivores are harvested and some use
other habitats (like mangroves) as nurseries or feeding areas. Thus, the effects of habitat connectivity
and marine reserves can jointly promote herbivore populations on coral reefs,
thereby influencing reef health.
3. We used a coral reef seascape in eastern Australia to test whether seascape connectivity
and reserves influence herbivory. We measured herbivore abundance and rates of herbivory
(on turf algae and macroalgae) on reefs that differed in both their level of connectivity to
adjacent mangrove habitats and their level of protection from fishing.
4. Reserves enhanced the biomass of herbivorous fish on coral reefs in all seascape settings and
promoted consumption of turf algae. Consumption of turf algae was correlated with the biomass
of surgeonfish that are exploited outside reserves. By contrast, both reserve status and
connectivity influenced herbivory on macroalgae. Consumption of macroalgae was greatest on
fished reefs that were far from mangroves and was not strongly correlated with any fish species.
5. Our findings demonstrate that landscape connectivity and reserve status can jointly affect
the functioning of ecosystems. Moreover, we show that reserve and connectivity effects can
differ markedly depending on resource type (in this case turf algae vs. macroalgae). The effectiveness
of conservation initiatives will therefore depend on our ability to understand how
these multiple interactive effects structure the distribution of ecological functions. These findings
have wider implications for the spatial conservation of heterogeneous environments and
strengthen the case that the impact of conservation on ecosystem functioning is contingent on
how reserves are positioned in landscapes. | |
dc.description.peerreviewed | Yes | |
dc.language | English | |
dc.language.iso | eng | |
dc.publisher | Wiley-Blackwell Publishing | |
dc.relation.ispartofpagefrom | 437 | |
dc.relation.ispartofpageto | 444 | |
dc.relation.ispartofissue | 2 | |
dc.relation.ispartofjournal | Journal of Animal Ecology | |
dc.relation.ispartofvolume | 85 | |
dc.subject.fieldofresearch | Environmental sciences | |
dc.subject.fieldofresearch | Other environmental sciences not elsewhere classified | |
dc.subject.fieldofresearch | Biological sciences | |
dc.subject.fieldofresearch | Ecology | |
dc.subject.fieldofresearchcode | 41 | |
dc.subject.fieldofresearchcode | 419999 | |
dc.subject.fieldofresearchcode | 31 | |
dc.subject.fieldofresearchcode | 3103 | |
dc.title | Resource type influences the effects of reserves and connectivity on ecological functions | |
dc.type | Journal article | |
dc.type.description | C1 - Articles | |
dc.type.code | C - Journal Articles | |
gro.hasfulltext | No Full Text | |
gro.griffith.author | Connolly, Rod M. | |