Patterns of colonization in a metapopulation of grey seals

摘要: The colonization of a new habitat is fundamental process in metapopulation biology1, but it difficult to study. emigration colonists from established populations might be induced by resource competition owing high local population density2,3. Migration distances are also important because they determine the frequency and scale recolonization hence spatial metapopulation4. Traditionally, these factors have been investigated with demographic approaches that labour-intensive only possible amenable species. In many cases, genetic differentiation minimal, preventing traditional identifying source unambiguously. Here we present bayesian approach integrates genetic, geographic distance data. We apply method study British grey seals, which has growing at 6% per year over last few decades5. Our reveals differential recruitment three newly founded colonies implicates density-dependent dispersal dynamics using