In:
Journal of Applied Ecology, Wiley, Vol. 55, No. 6 ( 2018-11), p. 2865-2875
Abstract:
Our framework provides ecosystem managers with a valuable tool for conservation by identifying “oases” within degraded areas. By evaluating trajectories of change in state (e.g., coral cover) among oases, our approach may help in identifying the mechanisms responsible for spatial variability in ecosystem condition. Increased mechanistic understanding can guide whether management of a particular location should emphasise protection, mitigation or restoration. Analysis of the empirical data suggest that the majority of our coral reef oases originated by either escaping or resisting disturbances, although some sites showed a high capacity for recovery, while others were candidates for restoration. Finally, our measure of reef condition (i.e., median z ‐scores of coral cover) correlated positively with coral calcification capacity suggesting that our approach identified oases that are also exceptional for one critical component of ecological function.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0021-8901
,
1365-2664
DOI:
10.1111/jpe.2018.55.issue-6
DOI:
10.1111/1365-2664.13179
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2018
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2020408-5
detail.hit.zdb_id:
410405-5
SSG:
12