Effect of external perturbations on contact networks in Desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) populations

Interactions between animals is a dynamic process, yet most of the traditional studies in wildlife epidemiology examine static host contact networks. External perturbations can quickly change contact networks which, in turn, may affect the dynamics of processes such as disease spread in a population. Here we demonstrate effects of external perturbations on the structure of contact networks within desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) populations. We investigate how perturbation mediated changes in the network affects the spread of disease within a population. We discuss implications of similar external perturbations on the vulnerability of desert tortoise populations to future infections.