Harvest, Extinction and Reserve Design in Multispecies Ecosystems

University Of Miami, Coral Gables FL

Investigators

Abstract

This research project involves the creation of a meta population modeling framework for investigating the effects of resource harvesting on biodiversity. The framework will be applied to two field studies in Malaysia and Central America. The project is part of a long-term research interest in studying spatial management of coupled human and natural systems. The awardee proposes a set of hypotheses concerting the role of ecological and economic factors on the optimal performance of reserves which will be tested in a two step approach - one that compares reserve and non-reserve patches and another which analyzes patch linkages within reserves.