Fig 1.
Conceptual curves describing how establishment kernel parameters can be used to show change in spatial processes.
Here, two kernels are represented, which were created under similar conditions with the exception of the factor of interest (e.g.: herbivory). The entire black curve minus the gray area represent the body of the kernel, while the gray area depicts the tail of the kernel. The body of the kernel can be described by the mean distance, which is represented by the hatched lines. The tail, or range, of the distribution can be measured as the minimum distance travelled by the farthest 1% of individuals. Differences in these parameters can be used to determine how the factor of interest influences the spatial establishment of a target species.
Fig 2.
Mammalian herbivore effects on population growth.
Herbivore presence significantly decreases the number of stems of C. fasciculata by 77%. Points represent model estimates with standard error bars.
Fig 3.
Simulated establishment kernels from model parameters.
Mammalian herbivores reduced mean and range establishment distance of C. fasciculata by ~0.25m, and ~1.2m respectively. The dark gray kernel and hatched lines are from the plots where herbivores were present, light gray kernels and solid lines from where herbivores were absent.
Fig 4.
The community context of C. fasciculata establishment.
The community context altered the establishment of C. fasciculata as measured by population size, or number of stems, and this context was altered by mammalian herbivore presence. Herbivores, but not native planted cover decreased C. fasciculata population size (a). Weedy, non-planted cover increased C. fasciculata establishment in the absence of herbivores, but there was no relationship when herbivores are present, indicating an interaction between herbivore presence and cover of planted species (b). Increased bare ground, and herbivore presence decreased C. fasciculata establishment, but there was no interaction between the two (c).