SREL Reprint #3536

Biological connectivity of seasonally ponded wetlands across spatial and temporal scales

L. L. Smith1, A. L. Subalusky2, C. L. Atkinson3, J. E. Earl4, D. M. Mushet5, D. E. Scott6,
S. L. Lance6, and S. A. Johnson7

1Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, Newton, Georgia, USA
2Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York, USA
3Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
4School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana, USA
5Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Jamestown, North Dakota, USA
6Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
7Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA

Abstract: Many species that inhabit seasonally ponded wetlands also rely on surrounding upland habitats and nearby aquatic ecosystems for resources to support life stages and to maintain viable populations. Understanding biological connectivity among these habitats is critical to ensure that landscapes are protected at appropriate scales to conserve species and ecosystem function. Biological connectivity occurs across a range of spatial and temporal scales. For example, at annual time scales many organisms move between seasonal wetlands and adjacent terrestrial habitats as they undergo life-stage transitions; at generational time scales, individuals may disperse among nearby wetlands; and at multigenerational scales, there can be gene flow across large portions of a species’ range. The scale of biological connectivity may also vary among species. Larger bodied or more vagile species can connect a matrix of seasonally ponded wetlands, streams, lakes, and surrounding terrestrial habitats on a seasonal or annual basis. Measuring biological connectivity at different spatial and temporal scales remains a challenge. Here we review environmental and biological factors that drive biological connectivity, discuss implications of biological connectivity for animal populations and ecosystem processes, and provide examples illustrating the range of spatial and temporal scales across which biological connectivity occurs in seasonal wetlands.

Keywords: aquatic ecology; seasonal wetland; ephemeral wetland; rivers; streams; lakes; biota, fauna; habitat

SREL Reprint #3536

Smith, L. L., A. L. Subalusky, C. L. Atkinson, J. E. Earl, D. M. Mushet, D. E. Scott, S. L. Lance, and S. A. Johnson. 2019. Biological connectivity of seasonally ponded wetlands across spatial and temporal scales. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 55(2): 334-353.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).