Merging trait-based and individual-based modelling: An animal functional type approach to explore the responses of birds to climatic and land use changes in semi-arid African savannas

摘要: Abstract Climate change and land use management practices are major drivers of biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems. To understand predict resulting changes community structures, individual-based spatially explicit population models a useful tool but require detailed data sets for each species. More generic approaches thus needed. Here we present trait-based functional type approach to model savanna birds. The aim our is explore the response different bird types modifications habitat structure. characterized by traits, particular body mass, which related life-history traits (reproduction mortality) spatial scales (home range area dispersal ability), as well vegetation structures foraging nesting, quality suitability. We tested performance artificial landscapes varying shrub:grass ratio clumping intensity shrub patches. found that an increase encroachment decrease caused mismanagement climate endangered all simulated types. strength this effect was preferred habitat. Furthermore, larger-bodied insectivores omnivores were more prone extinction due compared small-bodied Insectivorous omnivorous birds sensitive shrubs whereas herbivorous carnivorous most affected decreasing amount grass cover. From applied point view, findings emphasize policies such woody plant removal reduction livestock stocking rates prevent should prioritize enlargement existing grassland Overall, results show combination modelling with carefully defined can provide powerful exploring responses environmental changes. increasing accumulation worldwide on species’ core soft (surrogates determine indirectly) one side refinement conceptual frameworks animal other will further improve consider sensitivities multiple species change, loss, fragmentation.