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Stop using dichotomous terms to reference observations of scale-dependent habitat selection

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Abstract

Context

Many studies dichotomize habitat selection into “local” or “landscape” effects, with little explanation regarding what each represents. Ambiguous use of these terms across studies may confound observations of selection operating across different spatiotemporal resolutions and impede synthesis of scale-dependent habitat selection.

Objective

To examine the consistency of use of the terms “local” and “landscape” level habitat selection and evaluate potential implications for conservation science.

Methods

We reviewed 136 multi-level studies observing local and/or landscape effects. From each study, we identified which of Johnson’s (Ecology 61:65–71, 1980) selection orders was observed at the local and landscape scale. We assessed consistency in the selection order observed at each scale.

Results

At the local scale, 54% of studies observed 3rd order selection and 38% of studies observed 4th order selection. At the landscape scale, 64% of studies observed 2nd order selection, while only 8% of studies observed 1st order selection. Overlap also occurred; 2nd order selection was observed at the local scale in 8% of studies, while 3rd and 4th order selection was observed at the landscape scale in 24 and 3% of studies, respectively.

Conclusions

Selection orders observed at local and landscape scales are inconsistent across studies, making comparisons and synthesis difficult. This inconsistency makes the terms “local” and “landscape” meaningless, and may lead to misidentification of limiting factor(s) most important for conservation efforts. Dichotomous terms should no longer be used in reference to levels of selection, but in reference to specific explanatory variables whose characteristic scale(s) best fit the appropriate definition.

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Acknowledgements

We thank RM Brigham, B Hall, J Piwowar, and H Weger for their thoughtful discussions. We are also grateful to the three anonymous reviewers for their helpful feedback. We are grateful for support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Canada Research Chairs Program, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the University of Regina. The manuscript emanated from LM Heisler’s PhD comprehensive exam at the University of Regina. LM Heisler conducted the literature review, synthesized the results, and wrote the manuscript. RG Poulin and CM Somers provided conceptual and editorial feedback.

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  1. Department of Biology, University of Regina, Laboratory Building, LB244, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada

    Leanne M. Heisler & Christopher M. Somers

  2. Royal Saskatchewan Museum, 2340 Albert Street, Regina, SK, S4P 2V7, Canada

    Ray. G. Poulin

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  1. Leanne M. Heisler
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Heisler, L.M., Poulin, R.G. & Somers, C.M. Stop using dichotomous terms to reference observations of scale-dependent habitat selection. Landscape Ecol 32, 1531–1542 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-017-0543-6

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