NONEQUILIBRATION IN ISLAND THEORY OF KRAKATAU

A division of opinion is apparent among researchers investigating the colonization of the Krakatau Islands, Indonesia, concerning the applicability of the Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography (see: Thornton, Zann & van Balen, this volume). In order to clarify our position in this debate, we first highlight some of the key limitations of the theory and subsequently present a model which incorporates some of the important ecological features lacking from the original models. Our model allows for differing outcomes depending on the life history characteristics and position in the ecological hierarchy of the taxa considered, and depending on frequency and degree of disturbance to the ecosystem: such that interactive equilibria, non-interactive equilibria or disequilibria may each be possible.