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Towards a measure of functional connectivity: local synchrony matches small scale movements in a woodland edge butterfly

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Abstract

This study investigates the sensitivity of local synchrony to movement patterns of the Ringlet butterfly (Aphantopus hyperantus). We examine whether population synchrony, describing the correlated fluctuations of conspecific populations, may prove an effective surrogate measure for monitoring functional connectivity in this species without the requirement of exhaustive sampling. We compared the effect on population synchrony of two different distance measures, direct (Euclidean) distance and distance via woodland rides and edges, and also of habitat matrix composition. Population synchrony of A. hyperantus was calculated as the pairwise correlation between population time-series using 20 years of data from UK butterfly monitoring scheme transects. Local population synchrony was better explained by distance via woodland edges than direct distance, especially for woodland-dominated transects. These results are consistent with mark-recapture data previously collected on the Ringlet butterfly. The results indicate a sensitivity of population synchrony to butterfly local dispersal behaviour, particularly, to the use of habitat corridors and other functional dispersal routes. Population synchrony is considered to have potential as a surrogate measure of functional connectivity. With development, this method could become a valuable conservation tool for identifying important landscape features which promote species’ connectivity.

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Acknowledgments

We are very grateful to all the recorders who contribute to the UKBMS. The UKBMS is a partnership between Butterfly Conservation and the Natural Environment Research Council, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. The UKBMS is co-funded by a consortium of government agencies, led by Defra. We thank Steve Freeman, Colin Harrower and John Redhead for statistics and GIS advice. We also thank Odette Sutcliffe, Kevin Watts, Chris Thomas, Jane Hill, Tom Brereton, and two anonymous reviewers for useful discussion.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK

    Gary D. Powney, Lorraine K. Broaders & Tom H. Oliver

  2. Division of Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK

    Gary D. Powney

  3. Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5YW, UK

    Lorraine K. Broaders

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  1. Gary D. Powney
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Correspondence to Gary D. Powney.

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Powney, G.D., Broaders, L.K. & Oliver, T.H. Towards a measure of functional connectivity: local synchrony matches small scale movements in a woodland edge butterfly. Landscape Ecol 27, 1109–1120 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-012-9771-y

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