Experimental Tests of Within and Between Patch Processes at the Microlandscape Scale: An EMS Approach Using Microtus pennsylvanicus

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9420195 Bowers There is much information regarding the responses of animals to changes in the size and configuration of their habitats, but there is little scientific information concerning which processes underlie those responses. While much is known about how local populations respond to variation in habitat quality, and something about how individuals and populations respond to habitat patches, there has been little experimental work that connects these processes at the population and landscape scales. This study uses the meadow vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus, in an ecological model system (EMS) approach. Researchers will create 12 replicate microlandscapes, each comprised of four habitat patches, where the ratio of good to poor habitat patches and dispersal rates among patches are under experimental control. Local patch quality will be manipulated by adding supplemental food, and dispersal rates will be manipulated by either mowing or not mowing areas between patches. This design allows one to tease apart the relative importance of within- and between-patch processes to local and regional population dynamics. The present lack of information connecting population and landscape processes greatly hinders the ability to mange natural systems and to minimize anthropogenic effects involving habitat destruction and fragmentation. Studies like the present one are critical to developing process-based, sound species management plants.