Persistence of a frugivorous butterfly species in Venezuelan forest fragments: the role of movement and habitat quality.

摘要: We studied the factors affecting persistence of a frugivorous butterfly species, Hamadryas februa, in set forested islands located Lago Guri, reservoir eastern Venezuela. The roles isolation, area and habitat quality (larval host plant density, light conditions presence fruiting trees) determining island densities were investigated through observations experiments. Butterfly increased significantly with increase both local larval but not related to distance from colonizing sources, or trees. populations on even distant augmented by experimental introduction adults. residence times higher sites large than small islands. However, there was no evidence that positive correlation between adult density caused reproduction. results indicate are constrained colonization capabilities rather, lack appropriate plants high rates emigration study indicates importance considering patterns movement heterogeneity when designing conservation strategies for insects fragmented landscapes.