The metapopulation model for Plague reservoir systems.

Discrete subpopulations are disjoint in space but maintain contact through movement of individuals. Population size fluctuations are indicated by the white circle (T1, first assessment) and the gray circle (T2, second assessment), where populations can retract, expand, or extinguish. Arrows indicate movements of individuals (rodents or fleas) that maintain the subpopulations interconnected and working as a functional unit. For detailed information on the effects of population fluctuations on Plague cycles, see Reijniers et al. [15, 16].