Variation in species' dispersal capacities amplifies effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on biodiversity loss

Abstract

Habitat loss and fragmentation can have a substantial impact on biodiversity loss. Modeling studies showing these effects generally work under the implicit assumption that all species in the community have equal dispersal capacities. Here, we consider the more realistic assumption that species are not ecological equivalents with respect to dispersal capacity. Using an individual-based model, we investigate how such variation in dispersal capacity between species impacts the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on biodiversity loss at two spatial and two temporal scales. Our results show that the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on the loss of species richness are amplified when considering variation in species' dispersal capacities. Furthermore, the effects of the spatial configuration of habitat loss depend on when and at what scale we measure biodiversity loss. Our results indicate that species' dispersal capacities as well as the spatial configuration of habitat loss need to be considered when evaluating the risks of habitat loss.