Constraints and time lags for recovery of a keystone species ( Dipodomys spectabilis ) after landscape restoration

摘要: Habitat restoration is typically focused on reestablishing suitable conditions at a local scale, but landscape constraints may be important for keystone species with limited dispersal. We tested time lags and examined the relative importance of response banner-tailed kangaroo rat (Dipodomys spectabilis) to Chihuahuan Desert grasslands in New Mexico, USA. Dipodomys spectabilis that creates habitat heterogeneity modifies structure plant animal communities. selected 21 sites compared density D. between areas treated herbicide control shrubs (treated areas) paired untreated areas. evaluated whether depended treatment age, quality (vegetation soil structure), factors (treatment area spatial connectivity). Density was greater than due direct effect reduced shrub cover. However, lagged by decade or more. Structural equation modeling indicated lag reflected dispersal constraint as opposed temporal change quality. This inference corroborated positive relationship connectivity source populations. Our results indicate strongly configuration areas, which supports mosaic approach restoration. If commonly exhibit ability, broadly shaping ecosystem function after