Towards a functional resource-based concept for habitat: a butterfly biology viewpoint

Dennis, Roger L.H.,;Shreeve, Tim G.;Van Dyck, Hans
(2003) Oikos — Vol. 102, p. 417-426 (2003)

Files

j1600-0579200312492x.pdf
  • Restricted Access
  • Adobe PDF
  • 230.14 KB

Details

Authors
  • Dennis, Roger L.H.,Manchester University
    Author
  • Shreeve, Tim G.Oxford Brookes University
    Author
  • Van Dyck, HansUniversity of Antwerp
    Author
Abstract
The habitat is the basic unit for developments in life history, population dynamics, landscape ecology and conservation of organisms. It is frequently treated as a particulate, invariant and homogeneous entity (a patch). Here we examine the implications of using this concept of habitat in butterfly biology. In doing so, we suggest the alternative approach of applying a functional resource-based concept of habitat. This recognises the fundamental requirements of organisms, consumables and utilities, the latter describing suitable environmental conditions as well as essential substrates. We argue that a resource-based concept is critical for butterfly conservation and call for the development of a resource database on butterfly biology.
Affiliations

Citations

Dennis, R. L. H. ,., Shreeve, T. G., & Van Dyck, H. (2003). Towards a functional resource-based concept for habitat: a butterfly biology viewpoint. Oikos, 102, 417-426. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0579.2003.12492.x (Original work published 2003)