Data from: Microparasite dispersal in metapopulations: a boon or bane to the host population?

Although connectivity can promote host species persistence in a
metapopulation, dispersal may also enable disease transmission, an effect
further complicated by the impact that parasite distribution may have on
host-parasite population dynamics. We investigated the effects of
connectivity and initial parasite distribution (clustered or dispersed) on
microparasite-host dynamics in experimental metapopulations, using guppies
and Gyrodactylus turnbulli. We created metapopulations of guppies divided
into four subpopulations and introduced either a low level of parasites to
all subpopulations (dispersed) or a high level of parasites to one
subpopulation (clustered). Controlled migration among subpopulations
occurred every 10 days. In additional trials, we introduced low or high
levels of parasites to isolated populations. Parasites persisted longer in
metapopulations than in isolated populations. Mortality was lowest in
isolated populations with low level introductions. The interaction of
connectivity and initial parasite distribution influenced parasite
abundance. With low level introductions, connectivity helped the parasite
persist longer but had little effect on the hosts. With high levels,
connectivity also benefited the hosts, lowering parasite burdens. These
findings have implications for disease management and species
conservation.