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Local extinction and turnover rates at the edge and interior of species' ranges

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Abstract

One hypothesis for the maintenance of the edge of a species' range suggests that more central (and abundant) populations are relatively stable and edge populations are less stable with increased local extinction and turnover rates. To date, estimates of such metrics are equivocal due to design and analysis flaws. Apparent increased estimates of extinction and turnover rates at the edge of range, versus the interior, could be a function of decreased detection probabilities alone, and not of a biological process. We estimated extinction and turnover rates for species at the interiors and edges of their ranges using an approach which incorporates potential heterogeneity in species detection probabilities. Extinction rates were higher at the edges (0.17 ?? 0.03 []) than in the interiors (0.04 ?? 0.01), as was turnover. Without taking the probability of detection into account these differences would be artificially magnified. Knowledge of extinction and turnover rates is essential in furthering our understanding of range dynamics, and in directing conservation efforts. This study further illustrates the practical application of methods proposed recently for estimating extinction rates and other community dynamic parameters.

Suggested Citation

Doherty, P., Boulinier, T., James., D.N., 2003, Local extinction and turnover rates at the edge and interior of species' ranges, in Annales Zoologici Fennici, v. 40, no. 2, p. 145-153.

Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Local extinction and turnover rates at the edge and interior of species' ranges
Volume 40
Issue 2
Year Published 2003
Language English
Larger Work Title Annales Zoologici Fennici
First page 145
Last page 153
Additional publication details