Inferring patterns and process in small mammal metapopulations: insights from ecological and genetic data

The metapopulation paradigm is increasingly being used to describe the structure and dynamics of mammalian populations, as it is with many other taxonomic groups. Relatively few studies to date have compellingly characterized the metapopulation processes in small mammals. This chapter reevaluates the evidence of metapopulation structures for three small mammal species that are considered to conform most closely to the metapopulation paradigm-black-tailed prairie dogs (. Cynomys ludovicianus), American pika (. Ochotona princeps), and field voles (. Microtus agrestis). Then, the chapter introduces new studies of water voles (. Arvicola terrestris) that contain strong evidence of metapopulation processes. Ecological and genetic data are considered that can be used to identify the metapopulation patterns in small mammals. The chapter also discusses whether common features of small mammal dispersal and of the processes responsible for extinction of small mammal local populations result in a distinct mammalian perspective of the metapopulation paradigm.