Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/J017094/1
[RESOURCE] Functional connectivity in fragmented habitats: a wood ant case study
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Professor EJH Robinson, University of York, Biology
- Grant held at:
- University of York, Biology
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Global Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- None
- Abstract:
- There is increasing recognition of the risks posed by habitat loss and fragmentation to biodiversity. Management strategies, such as habitat patch creation, 'wildlife corridors' or more permeable landscapes, may reduce these risks, but only if dispersal through these landscapes is successful - a question for which data are scarce. Therefore, to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation management strategies, more data are required to quantify the ability of different species to disperse between patches of suitable habitat, and to determine how this is affected by the intervening habitat matrix. We propose to use wood ants (Formica lugubris) as a fragmentation-sensitive model species for investigating functional genetic connectivity between fragmented woodlands in agricultural landscape. F. lugubris is an ideal study species for this project, because it is a woodland specialist and in Britain exists primarily in ancient woodland fragments. Networks of connections are particularly important in formerly widespread habitat systems such as this. F. lugubris is considered 'near threatened' and our study area in the North York Moors represents its largest population in England. While F. lugubris appear to be widespread in this area, each fragment of woodland could be genetically isolated. Dispersal in this species can occur in two ways: nest founding by lone queens or budding by mated queens accompanied by workers. These new budded nests may stay in genetic contact and function as a single colony (polydomy). If colonies reproduce largely by budding, then dispersal may be limited, even when suitable habitat is nearby. F. lugubris has large area requirements and poor dispersal ability, so it is likely to be highly impacted by fragmentation. Objectives: 1a. To determine the genetic similarity between nests of F. lugubris within and between polydomous colonies in the same woodland, and between woodlands. 1b. To assess the influence of the intervening habitat matrix on genetic similarity between colonies. 2. To record worker movement within a population using tracking techniques and examine how well this correlates with genetic similarity. This will help ascertain to what extent apparent local genetic homogeneity is due to worker movement between nests, and how much is due to dispersal of reproductives. Methodology & experimental design: Samples will be taken from F. lugubris nests to allow comparison of genetic parameters within and between polydomous colonies in the same woodland and between different woodlands. Genetic similarity will be determined using microsatellite markers. Genetic diversity, evidence of bottlenecks, recent migration and population structure will be examined. (Objective 1a). Geographic information system (GIS) least-cost techniques will be used to model functional connectivity between populations and compare these with measures of genetic differentiation. (Objective 1b). To study worker movement within multi-nest colonies (Objective 2) spray paint (group-level) and radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology (individuallevel) will be used. Impact: UK woodlands occur in a fragmented landscape, which may lead to effective isolation of fragments with consequent negative effects on biodiversity. Improving conditions for woodland biodiversity is a priority recognised by Government policy. High quality species-level data are required to allow targeting of conservation actions in fragmented landscape to ensure optimal benefits. The results of this project will provide just such a detailed case study and will inform policy-makers (Defra, Forestry Commission) regarding woodland management to benefit biodiversity. In addition, F. lugubris is 'nearthreatened', so information about the genetic robustness of its largest population in England will be of conservation benefit. Finally, wood ants are a charismatic group which can be used to engage public interest in conservation and biodiversity.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/J017094/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- DTG - directed
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Open CASE
This training grant award has a total value of £71,039
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Fees | Total - RTSG | Total - Student Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| £13,812 | £8,943 | £48,285 |
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