Coupled stochastic modelling of hierarchical channel network dynamics and metapopulation persistency - Dataset

Dynamic changes in the active portion of stream networks represent a
phenomenon common to diverse climates and geologic settings. However,
the  ecological implications of river network
expansions/retractions remain poorly understood owing to operational
difficulties in mechanistically describing these processes at the relevant
spatio-temporal scales. Here we present a novel Bayesian framework for the
simulation of event-based channel network dynamics capitalizing on the
concept of "hierarchical structuring of temporary streams" - a
general principle to identify the activation/deactivation order of network
nodes. The framework incorporates a dynamic version of a stochastic
occupancy metapopulation model, and is used to analyze the impact of
pulsing river networks on species persistence in different scenarios.
Climate strongly controls temporal variations of the active length,
influencing the preferential configuration of the active channels and the
speed of network retraction during drying. We also identify a
climate-dependent detrimental effect of network dynamics on species spread
and persistence. This effect is enhanced by dry climates, where flashy
expansions and retractions of the flowing channels induce metapopulation
extinction. Survival probabilities are particularly reduced in settings
where the spatial heterogeneity of network connectivity is pronounced. The
proposed framework provides novel insight on the multi-faced ecological
legacies of channel network dynamics.