We review the application of spatially explicit models to conservation
biology, and discuss several problems regarding the use of these mode
ls. First, it is unclear whether increasing the complexity of spatial
models to include age structure enhances our ability to predict popula
tion growth in temporally varying environments. Second, if simulations
of individual behavior are used to identify options for landscape man
agement, predictions about the fate of dispersing organisms are likely
to be hugely in error unless dispersal attributes are known to a far
greater degree of accuracy than is reasonable to expect. Third, the co
mpelling metaphor of extinction debts resulting from habitat destructi
on in competitive communities stands firm as a cautionary tale even wh
en the metapopulation models include multiple trophic levels - but the
question remains of how widespread and tight are the tradeoffs betwee
n dispersal capacity and competitive superiority. Given the shakiness
of spatial models as a foundation for specific conservation recommenda
tions, we conclude they may be more useful as a tool for exploring the
design of spatially-structured monitoring schemes, so that management
mistakes might be detected before they become irreversible.