Integral Projection Models and analysis of patch dynamics of the reef building coral Monstastraea annularis

摘要: Over the past 40 years, coral cover has reduced by as much 80%. At same time, Coral Reefs are coming under increasing threat from hurricanes, climate change is expected to increase intensity of hurricanes. Therefore, it become increasingly important understand effect hurricanes on a population. This Thesis focuses reef-building Montastraea annularis. species once dominated Caribbean Reefs, but fast being replaced faster growing more opportunistic species. It that underlying dynamics decline understood, if managers stand any chance reversing this decline. The aim investigate hurricane activity coralMontastraea To achieve Integral Projection Model (IPM) method was adopted and results compared those produced using traditional Population Matrix (PPM) method. models were fitted census data June 1998 January 2003, which described area individual patches sample ramets Glovers Reef, Belize. Reef marine reserve lies 30km off coast Belize 15km east main barrier reef. Three struck during study: Hurricane Mitch (October 1998), Keith (September 2000) Iris 2001). have been divided two different methods in order test research questions, firstly initial trauma following affects long term population and, secondly, exhibited varied with strength. In five shown: 1. All for all divisions 2. As increased, growth rates decreased, conversely short extremes increased. 3. Fragmentation likely patch size increased stronger 4. Modelling painted similar picture should be preferred analysis.