Predicting the spatial distribution of a population in a heterogeneous landscape

A spatially explicit, population-based density-independent matrix model was used to analyse the effect of landscape composition on the spatial asymptotic distribution of a population. The landscape was considered being continuous rather than consisting of patches. The redistribution of a population was viewed in a simplistic way, and modelled using a response function to local landscape quality and a displacement function. Hence, the approach is suitable for landscape ecologists. Some of the analytical methods from non-negative matrix theory were used to determine the differences between the asymptotical spatial population distribution (the dominating right eigenvector of the movement matrix) and the randomly arranged resources. The results showed that the amount and quality of poor habitats had the greatest impact on matching between population and resource distribution. The results on matching between population and resource distribution are discussed in relation to designing reserves for endangered species and in the biocontrol of pest species in agricultural systems.