The importance of long‐distance dispersal in biodiversity conservation

TLDR

Dispersal is essential for biodiversity, yet long‑distance dispersal (LDD) is underappreciated despite its rarity and critical role in population spread, genetic connectivity, and mitigating threats such as alien introductions and habitat fragmentation. The paper aims to fill the gap in LDD research by reviewing conservation contexts where long‑distance dispersal is most critical. The authors conduct a review of conservation issues where LDD plays a pivotal role. The review shows that incorporating LDD considerations can enhance conservation management decisions.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Dispersal is universally considered important for biodiversity conservation. However, the significance of long‐ as opposed to short‐distance dispersal is insufficiently recognized in the conservation context. Long‐distance dispersal (LDD) events, although typically rare, are crucial to population spread and to maintenance of genetic connectivity. The main threats to global biodiversity involve excessive LDD of elements alien to ecosystems and insufficient dispersal of native species, for example, because of habitat fragmentation. In this paper, we attempt to bridge the gap in the treatment of LDD by reviewing the conservation issues for which LDD is most important. We then demonstrate how taking LDD into consideration can improve conservation management decisions.