1
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Choeur A, Faulquier L, Orlowski S, Dijoux J, Potin G, Bureau S, Guilhaumon F, Le Corre M. Impacts and management of unowned and owned cats at a seabird colony on Reunion Island (Western Indian Ocean). Biol Invasions 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-022-02774-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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2
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Bolas EC, Sollmann R, Crooks KR, Boydston EE, Shaskey L, Boser CL, Dillon A, Van Vuren DH. Role of microhabitat and temporal activity in facilitating coexistence of endemic carnivores on the California Channel Islands. J Mammal 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyab125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Most extinctions worldwide have occurred on islands, primarily due to interactions with exotic species, but rarely due to interactions among endemic species. This potential exists on two of the California Channel Islands, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa, as endemic island spotted skunks (Spilogale gracilis amphiala) appear to have rapidly declined to rarity, possibly due to interference competition with endemic island foxes (Urocyon littoralis). Niche partitioning is expected in response to interference competition; hence, it is surprising that skunks and foxes show extensive overlap in macrohabitat use and circadian activity. However, the role of microhabitat associations and fine-scale temporal activity in facilitating coexistence of the two species has not been explored. We evaluated microhabitat associations of island spotted skunks and island foxes across both islands using data from live traps and wildlife cameras collected during 2015–2017, and we analyzed fine-scale temporal activity using camera data from 2016 and 2017. On both islands, skunks had a positive response to ground-level cover provided by rugged topography or woody vegetation such as shrubs or trees, whereas foxes had a weak or negative response, suggesting partitioning of these microhabitat characteristics. Additionally, on both islands the peak in timing of skunk activity offset the peak for foxes, which implies that skunks use fine-scale adjustments in activity to avoid foxes. Past grazing by exotic herbivores likely reduced habitat refuges for skunks; however, as vegetation on both islands recovers, regrowth of shrubs and trees may provide cover that will improve prospects for coexistence of island spotted skunks and island foxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen C Bolas
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Rahel Sollmann
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kevin R Crooks
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, 115 Wagar, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Laura Shaskey
- Channel Islands National Park, 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, USA
| | | | - Adam Dillon
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, 115 Wagar, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Dirk H Van Vuren
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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3
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Pliego-Sánchez JV, Blair C, Díaz de la Vega-Pérez AH, Jiménez-Arcos VH. The insular herpetofauna of Mexico: Composition, conservation, and biogeographic patterns. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:6579-6592. [PMID: 34141242 PMCID: PMC8207341 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
We compile a Mexican insular herpetofaunal checklist to estimate endemism, conservation status, island threats, net taxonomic turnover among six biogeographic provinces belonging to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, and the relationships between island area and mainland distance versus species richness. We compile a checklist of insular herpetofaunal through performing a literature and collection review. We define the conservation status according to conservation Mexican law, the Red List of International Union for Conservation of Nature, and Environmental Vulnerability Scores. We determine threat percentages on islands according to the 11 major classes of threats to biodiversity. We estimate the net taxonomic turnover with beta diversity analysis between the Nearctic and Neotropical provinces. The Mexican insular herpetofauna is composed of 18 amphibian species, 204 species with 101 subspecies of reptiles, and 263 taxa in total. Endemism levels are 11.76% in amphibians, 53.57% in reptiles, and 27.91% being insular endemic taxa. Two conservation status systems classify the species at high extinction risk, while the remaining system suggests less concern. However, all systems indicate species lacking assessment. Human activities and exotic alien species are present on 60% of 131 islands. The taxonomic turnover value is high (0.89), with a clear herpetofaunal differentiation between the two biogeographic regions. The species-area and species-mainland distance relationships are positive. Insular herpetofauna faces a high percentage of threats, with the Neotropical provinces more heavily impacted. It is urgent to explore the remaining islands (3,079 islands) and better incorporate insular populations and species in ecological, evolutionary, and systematic studies. In the face of the biodiversity crisis, islands will play a leading role as a model to apply restoration and conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher Blair
- Department of Biological Sciences New York City College of Technology The City University of New York Brooklyn NY USA
- Biology PhD Program, Graduate Center New York NY USA
| | - Aníbal H Díaz de la Vega-Pérez
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología-Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala Tlaxcala Mexico
| | - Víctor H Jiménez-Arcos
- Laboratorio de Herpetología Vivario FES Iztacala Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Tlalnepantla Mexico
- Naturam Sequi AC Naucalpan Mexico Mexico
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4
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In Vitro Destruction of Pathogenic Bacterial Biofilms by Bactericidal Metallic Nanoparticles via Laser-Induced Forward Transfer. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10112259. [PMID: 33203093 PMCID: PMC7697692 DOI: 10.3390/nano10112259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A novel, successful method of bactericidal treatment of pathogenic bacterial biofilms in vitro by laser-induced forward transfer of metallic nanoparticles from a polyethylene terephthalate polymeric substrate was suggested. Transferred nanoparticles were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray and Raman spectroscopy. The antibacterial modality of the method was tested on Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas Aeruginosa) bacterial biofilms in vitro, revealing their complete destruction. The proposed simple, cost-effective and potentially mobile biofilm treatment method demonstrated its high and broad bactericidal efficiency.
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5
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Baxter‐Gilbert J, Florens FBV, Baider C, Perianen YD, Citta DS, Appadoo C, Measey J. Toad‐kill: Prey diversity and preference of invasive guttural toads (
Sclerophrys gutturalis
) in Mauritius. Afr J Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James Baxter‐Gilbert
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch South Africa
| | - F. B. Vincent Florens
- Tropical Island Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation Pole of Research Faculty of Science University of Mauritius Réduit Mauritius
- Department of Biosciences University of Mauritius Réduit Mauritius
| | - Cláudia Baider
- The Mauritius Herbarium Agricultural Services Ministry of Agro‐Industry and Food Security Réduit Mauritius
| | - Yuvna Devi Perianen
- Department of Biosciences University of Mauritius Réduit Mauritius
- Ocean College Zhejiang University Zhoushan China
| | - Denzel Shane Citta
- Tropical Island Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation Pole of Research Faculty of Science University of Mauritius Réduit Mauritius
- Department of Biosciences University of Mauritius Réduit Mauritius
| | - Chandani Appadoo
- Tropical Island Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation Pole of Research Faculty of Science University of Mauritius Réduit Mauritius
- Department of Biosciences University of Mauritius Réduit Mauritius
| | - John Measey
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch South Africa
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6
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Bliard L, Paquet M, Robert A, Dufour P, Renoult JP, Grégoire A, Crochet PA, Covas R, Doutrelant C. Examining the link between relaxed predation and bird coloration on islands. Biol Lett 2020; 16:20200002. [PMID: 32315593 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2020.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Insular ecosystems share analogous ecological conditions, leading to patterns of convergent evolution that are collectively termed as the 'island syndrome'. In birds, part of this syndrome is a tendency for a duller plumage, possibly as a result of relaxed sexual selection. Despite this global pattern, some insular species display a more colourful plumage than their mainland relatives, but why this occurs has remained unexplained. Here, we examine the hypothesis that these cases of increased plumage coloration on islands could arise through a relaxation of predation pressure. We used comparative analyses to investigate whether average insular richness of raptors of suitable mass influences the plumage colourfulness and brightness across 110 pairs of insular endemic species and their closest mainland relatives. As predicted, we find a likely negative relationship between insular coloration and insular predation while controlling for mainland predation and coloration, suggesting that species were more likely to become more colourful as the number of insular predators decreased. By contrast, plumage brightness was not influenced by predation pressure. Relaxation from predation, together with drift, might thus be a key mechanism of species phenotypic responses to insularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Bliard
- CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS - Université de Montpellier - EPHE, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Matthieu Paquet
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7044, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aloïs Robert
- CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS - Université de Montpellier - EPHE, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Paul Dufour
- Laboratoire d'Écologie Alpine, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, LECA, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Julien P Renoult
- CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS - Université de Montpellier - EPHE, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Arnaud Grégoire
- CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS - Université de Montpellier - EPHE, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Pierre-André Crochet
- CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS - Université de Montpellier - EPHE, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Rita Covas
- CIBIO-InBio, University of Porto, Rua Monte-Crasto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal.,Biology Department, Science Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Percy FitzPatrick Institute, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Claire Doutrelant
- CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS - Université de Montpellier - EPHE, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 05, France.,Percy FitzPatrick Institute, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
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7
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Predation on endangered species by human-subsidized domestic cats on Tokunoshima Island. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16200. [PMID: 31700052 PMCID: PMC6838317 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52472-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It is important to unravel how invasive species impact native ecosystems in order to control them effectively. The presence of abundant exotic prey promotes population growth of invasive predators, thereby enhancing the predation pressure on native prey (hyper-predation). Not only the exotic prey but also feeding by humans is likely to cause “hyper-predation”. However, the contribution of artificial resources to this was underestimated in previous studies. Here, we combined fecal and stable isotope analyses to reveal short- and long-term food habits of free-ranging cats on Tokunoshima Island. Although 20.1% of the feral cat feces contained evidence of forest-living species, stable isotope analysis suggested that the cats were mostly dependent on artificial resources. In addition, a general linear model analysis showed that their diet was strongly correlated with landscape variables. These results indicate that the invasive free-ranging cats are aided by anthropogenic feeding, and they move from the human habituated area to natural areas with high biodiversity. These findings suggest the possibility of human feeding indirectly accelerates the effect of cat predation, and call for a further study on their demography. Cat management mainly involves trapping, but our findings show that educating local residents to stop feeding free-ranging cats and keeping pet cats indoors are also important.
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8
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9
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Abstract
The global loss of biodiversity can be attributed to numerous threats. While pioneer studies have investigated their relative importance, the majority of those studies are restricted to specific geographic regions and/or taxonomic groups and only consider a small subset of threats, generally in isolation despite their frequent interaction. Here, we investigated 11 major threats responsible for species decline on islands worldwide. We applied an innovative method of network analyses to disentangle the associations of multiple threats on vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants in 15 insular regions. Biological invasions, wildlife exploitation, and cultivation, either alone or in association, were found to be the three most important drivers of species extinction and decline on islands. Specifically, wildlife exploitation and cultivation are largely associated with the decline of threatened plants and terrestrial vertebrates, whereas biological invasions mostly threaten invertebrates and freshwater fish. Furthermore, biodiversity in the Indian Ocean and near the Asian coasts is mostly affected by wildlife exploitation and cultivation compared to biological invasions in the Pacific and Atlantic insular regions. We highlighted specific associations of threats at different scales, showing that the analysis of each threat in isolation might be inadequate for developing effective conservation policies and managements.
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10
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Rivett DW, Jones ML, Ramoneda J, Mombrikotb SB, Ransome E, Bell T. Elevated success of multispecies bacterial invasions impacts community composition during ecological succession. Ecol Lett 2018; 21:516-524. [PMID: 29446215 DOI: 10.1111/ele.12916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Successful microbial invasions are determined by a species' ability to occupy a niche in the new habitat whilst resisting competitive exclusion by the resident community. Despite the recognised importance of biotic factors in determining the invasiveness of microbial communities, the success and impact of multiple concurrent invaders on the resident community has not been examined. Simultaneous invasions might have synergistic effects, for example if resident species need to exhibit divergent phenotypes to compete with the invasive populations. We used three phylogenetically diverse bacterial species to invade two compositionally distinct communities in a controlled, naturalised in vitro system. By initiating the invader introductions at different stages of succession, we could disentangle the relative importance of resident community structure, invader diversity and time pre-invasion. Our results indicate that multiple invaders increase overall invasion success, but do not alter the successional trajectory of the whole community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian W Rivett
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, UK.,Division of Biology and Conservation Ecology, School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Matt L Jones
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, UK
| | - Josep Ramoneda
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, UK
| | - Shorok B Mombrikotb
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, UK
| | - Emma Ransome
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, UK
| | - Thomas Bell
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, UK
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11
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Pilowsky JA, Starks PT. Displacement and replacement in real time: Polistes dominula’s impact on P. fuscatus in the northeastern U.S. Biol Invasions 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-017-1617-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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Greve M, Mathakutha R, Steyn C, Chown SL. Terrestrial invasions on sub-Antarctic Marion and Prince Edward Islands. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.4102/abc.v47i2.2143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Background: The sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands (PEIs), South Africa’s southernmost territories have high conservation value. Despite their isolation, several alien species have established and become invasive on the PEIs. Objectives: Here we review the invasion ecology of the PEIs. Methods: We summarise what is known about the introduction of alien species, what influences their ability to establish and spread, and review their impacts. Results: Approximately 48 alien species are currently established on the PEIs, of which 26 are known to be invasive. Introduction pathways for the PEIs are fairly well understood – species have mainly been introduced with ship cargo and building material. Less is known about establishment, spread and impact of aliens. It has been estimated that less than 5% of the PEIs is covered by invasive plants, but invasive plants have attained circuminsular distributions on both PEIs. Studies on impact have primarily focussed on the effects of vertebrate invaders, of which the house mouse, which is restricted to Marion Island, probably has the greatest impact on the biodiversity of the islands. Because of the risk of alien introductions, strict biosecurity regulations govern activities at the PEIs. These are particularly aimed at stemming the introduction of alien species, and are likely to have reduced the rates of new introductions. In addition, some effort is currently being made to eradicate selected range-restricted species. However, only one species that had established and spread on the PEIs, the cat, has been successfully eradicated from the islands. Conclusion: Given the ongoing threat of introductions, and the impacts of invaders, it is essential that future invasions to the PEIs are minimised, that the islands’ management policies deal with all stages of the invasion process and that a better understanding of the risks and impacts of invasions is obtained.
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13
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Welshofer KB, Vandermast DB. Beech Bark Disease ReducesSus scrofa(Boar) Rooting Intensity in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. SOUTHEAST NAT 2016. [DOI: 10.1656/058.015.0409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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14
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Slow motion extinction: inbreeding, introgression, and loss in the critically endangered mangrove finch (Camarhynchus heliobates). CONSERV GENET 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-016-0890-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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15
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Spencer RJ, Van Dyke JU, Thompson MB. The ethological trap: functional and numerical responses of highly efficient invasive predators driving prey extinctions. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2016; 26:1969-1983. [PMID: 27755718 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Ecological traps are threats to organisms, and exist in a range of biological systems. A subset of ecological trap theory is the "ethological trap," whereby behaviors canalized by past natural selection become traps when environments change rapidly. Invasive predators are major threats to imperiled species and their ability to exploit canalized behaviors of naive prey is particularly important for the establishment of the predator and the decline of the native prey. Our study uses ecological theory to demonstrate that invasive predator controls require shifts in management priorities. Total predation rate (i.e., total response) is the product of both the functional response and numerical response of predators to prey. Functional responses are the changes in the rate of prey consumption by individual predators, relative to prey abundance. Numerical responses are the aggregative rates of prey consumption by all predators relative to prey density, which change with predator density via reproduction or migration, in response to changes in prey density. Traditional invasive predator management methods focus on reducing predator populations, and thus manage for numerical responses. These management efforts fail to manage for functional responses, and may not eliminate impacts of highly efficient individual predators. We explore this problem by modeling the impacts of functional and numerical responses of invasive foxes depredating imperiled Australian turtle nests. Foxes exhibit exceptionally efficient functional responses. A single fox can destroy >95% of turtle nests in a nesting area, which eliminates juvenile recruitment. In this case, the ethological trap is the "Arribada" nesting strategy, an emergent behavior whereby most turtles in a population nest simultaneously in the same nesting grounds. Our models show that Arribada nesting events do not oversaturate foxes, and small numbers of foxes depredate all of the nests in a given Arribada. Widely scattering nests may reduce fox predation rates, but the long generation times of turtles combined with their rapid recent decline suggests that evolutionary responses in nesting strategy may be unlikely. Our study demonstrates that reducing populations of highly efficient invasive predators is insufficient for preserving native prey species. Instead, management must reduce individual predator efficiency, independent of reducing predator population size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricky-John Spencer
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, New South Wales, 2751, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, New South Wales, 2751, Australia
| | - James U Van Dyke
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, New South Wales, 2751, Australia.
| | - Michael B Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Heydon-Laurence Building (A08), New South Wales, 2006, Australia
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16
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McCreless EE, Huff DD, Croll DA, Tershy BR, Spatz DR, Holmes ND, Butchart SHM, Wilcox C. Past and estimated future impact of invasive alien mammals on insular threatened vertebrate populations. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12488. [PMID: 27535095 PMCID: PMC4992154 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive mammals on islands pose severe, ongoing threats to global biodiversity. However, the severity of threats from different mammals, and the role of interacting biotic and abiotic factors in driving extinctions, remain poorly understood at a global scale. Here we model global extirpation patterns for island populations of threatened and extinct vertebrates. Extirpations are driven by interacting factors including invasive rats, cats, pigs, mustelids and mongooses, native species taxonomic class and volancy, island size, precipitation and human presence. We show that controlling or eradicating the relevant invasive mammals could prevent 41–75% of predicted future extirpations. The magnitude of benefits varies across species and environments; for example, managing invasive mammals on small, dry islands could halve the extirpation risk for highly threatened birds and mammals, while doing so on large, wet islands may have little benefit. Our results provide quantitative estimates of conservation benefits and, when combined with costs in a return-on-investment framework, can guide efficient conservation strategies. Invasive vertebrates can decimate native species living on islands. Using a model of global extirpation patterns, McCreless et al. identify the types of invasive species most harmful to natives and predict when controlling or eradicating the invasive species is likely to succeed as a conservation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E McCreless
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA
| | - David D Huff
- Point Adams Research Station, Fish Ecology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, PO Box 155, Hammond, Oregon 97121, USA
| | - Donald A Croll
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA
| | - Bernie R Tershy
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA
| | - Dena R Spatz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA.,Island Conservation, 2161 Delaware Avenue, Suite A, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA
| | - Nick D Holmes
- Island Conservation, 2161 Delaware Avenue, Suite A, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA
| | - Stuart H M Butchart
- BirdLife International, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB23QZ, UK.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB23EJ, UK
| | - Chris Wilcox
- Marine and Atmospheric Research, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
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17
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Moncunill-Solé B, Jordana X, Köhler M. How common is gigantism in insular fossil shrews? Examining the ‘Island Rule’ in soricids (Mammalia: Soricomorpha) from Mediterranean Islands using new body mass estimation models. Zool J Linn Soc 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Moncunill-Solé
- Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont; Campus Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona Spain
| | - Xavier Jordana
- Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont; Campus Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona Spain
| | - Meike Köhler
- ICREA at Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont; Campus Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona Spain
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18
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Rapid range expansion of an invasive predatory snail, Oxychilus alliarius (Miller 1822), and its impact on endemic Hawaiian land snails. Biol Invasions 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-016-1119-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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19
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McCleery RA, Sovie A, Reed RN, Cunningham MW, Hunter ME, Hart KM. Marsh rabbit mortalities tie pythons to the precipitous decline of mammals in the Everglades. Proc Biol Sci 2015; 282:rspb.2015.0120. [PMID: 25788598 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To address the ongoing debate over the impact of invasive species on native terrestrial wildlife, we conducted a large-scale experiment to test the hypothesis that invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) were a cause of the precipitous decline of mammals in Everglades National Park (ENP). Evidence linking pythons to mammal declines has been indirect and there are reasons to question whether pythons, or any predator, could have caused the precipitous declines seen across a range of mammalian functional groups. Experimentally manipulating marsh rabbits, we found that pythons accounted for 77% of rabbit mortalities within 11 months of their translocation to ENP and that python predation appeared to preclude the persistence of rabbit populations in ENP. On control sites, outside of the park, no rabbits were killed by pythons and 71% of attributable marsh rabbit mortalities were classified as mammal predations. Burmese pythons pose a serious threat to the faunal communities and ecological functioning of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, which will probably spread as python populations expand their range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A McCleery
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Adia Sovie
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Robert N Reed
- United States Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Mark W Cunningham
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Margaret E Hunter
- United States Geological Survey, Southeast Ecological Science Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kristen M Hart
- United States Geological Survey, Southeast Ecological Science Center, Davie, FL, USA
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Bonnaud E, Palmas P, Bourgeois K, Ollier S, Zarzoso-Lacoste D, Vidal E. Island specificities matter: cat diet differs significantly between islands of a major breeding archipelago for a vulnerable endemic seabird. Biol Invasions 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-015-0921-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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21
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Zedane L, Hong-Wa C, Murienne J, Jeziorski C, Baldwin BG, Besnard G. Museomics illuminate the history of an extinct, paleoendemic plant lineage (Hesperelaea, Oleaceae) known from an 1875 collection from Guadalupe Island, Mexico. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Loubab Zedane
- CNRS-UPS-ENFA; UMR5174; EDB (Laboratoire Evolution & Diversité Biologique); Université Paul Sabatier; 118 route de Narbonne 31062 Toulouse France
| | - Cynthia Hong-Wa
- Missouri Botanical Garden; PO Box 299 St. Louis MO 63166-0299 USA
| | - Jérôme Murienne
- CNRS-UPS-ENFA; UMR5174; EDB (Laboratoire Evolution & Diversité Biologique); Université Paul Sabatier; 118 route de Narbonne 31062 Toulouse France
| | - Céline Jeziorski
- INRA; UAR1209; département de Génétique Animale; INRA Auzeville 31326; Castanet-Tolosan France
- GeT-PlaGe; Genotoul; INRA Auzeville 31326; Castanet-Tolosan France
| | - Bruce G. Baldwin
- Jepson Herbarium and Department of Integrative Biology; University of California; Berkeley CA 94720-2465 USA
| | - Guillaume Besnard
- CNRS-UPS-ENFA; UMR5174; EDB (Laboratoire Evolution & Diversité Biologique); Université Paul Sabatier; 118 route de Narbonne 31062 Toulouse France
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22
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Gabriel SI, Mathias ML, Searle JB. Of mice and the 'Age of Discovery': the complex history of colonization of the Azorean archipelago by the house mouse (Mus musculus) as revealed by mitochondrial DNA variation. J Evol Biol 2014; 28:130-45. [PMID: 25394749 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Revised: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Humans have introduced many species onto remote oceanic islands. The house mouse (Mus musculus) is a human commensal and has consequently been transported to oceanic islands around the globe as an accidental stowaway. The history of these introductions can tell us not only about the mice themselves but also about the people that transported them. Following a phylogeographic approach, we used mitochondrial D-loop sequence variation (within an 849- to 864-bp fragment) to study house mouse colonization of the Azores. A total of 239 sequences were obtained from all nine islands, and interpretation was helped by previously published Iberian sequences and 66 newly generated Spanish sequences. A Bayesian analysis revealed presence in the Azores of most of the D-loop clades previously described in the domesticus subspecies of the house mouse, suggesting a complex colonization history of the archipelago as a whole from multiple geographical origins, but much less heterogeneity (often single colonization?) within islands. The expected historical link with mainland Portugal was reflected in the pattern of D-loop variation of some of the islands but not all. A more unexpected association with a distant North European source area was also detected in three islands, possibly reflecting human contact with the Azores prior to the 15th century discovery by Portuguese mariners. Widening the scope to colonization of the Macaronesian islands as a whole, human linkages between the Azores, Madeira, the Canaries, Portugal and Spain were revealed through the sharing of mouse sequences between these areas. From these and other data, we suggest mouse studies may help resolve historical uncertainties relating to the 'Age of Discovery'.
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Affiliation(s)
- S I Gabriel
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK
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Elleouet J, Albouy C, Ben Rais Lasram F, Mouillot D, Leprieur F. A trait-based approach for assessing and mapping niche overlap between native and exotic species: the Mediterranean coastal fish fauna as a case study. DIVERS DISTRIB 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J. Elleouet
- UMR 5119 ECOSYM “Ecologie des Systèmes Marins Côtiers” (CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, UM1, UM2); place Eugène Bataillon 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
- Centre for Forest Conservation Genetics; University of British Columbia; 2424 Main Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - C. Albouy
- UMR 5119 ECOSYM “Ecologie des Systèmes Marins Côtiers” (CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, UM1, UM2); place Eugène Bataillon 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
- Département de biologie, chimie et géographie; Université du Québec à Rimouski; 300 Allée des Ursulines G5L 3A1 Québec Canada
| | - F. Ben Rais Lasram
- Laboratoire Écosystèmes et Ressources Aquatiques UR03AGRO1; Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie; 43 avenue Charles Nicolle 1082 Tunis Tunisia
| | - D. Mouillot
- UMR 5119 ECOSYM “Ecologie des Systèmes Marins Côtiers” (CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, UM1, UM2); place Eugène Bataillon 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - F. Leprieur
- UMR 5119 ECOSYM “Ecologie des Systèmes Marins Côtiers” (CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, UM1, UM2); place Eugène Bataillon 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
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Wahungu GM, Gichohi NW, Onyango IA, Mureu LK, Kamaru D, Mutisya S, Mulama M, Makau JK, Kimuyu DM. Encroachment of open grasslands andAcacia drepanolobiumHarms ex B.Y.Sjöstedt habitats byEuclea divinorumHiern in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya. Afr J Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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26
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Isotopic niche mirrors trophic niche in a vertebrate island invader. Oecologia 2012; 171:537-44. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-012-2423-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Freidenfelds NA, Robbins TR, Langkilde T. Evading invaders: the effectiveness of a behavioral response acquired through lifetime exposure. Behav Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ars011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms driving adaptations to survive agonistic interactions, and their function, provides insight into how native species adapt to aggressive invaders, a growing global threat. We staged encounters between native fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) and red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) on and off the ant mound (nest) to examine the effectiveness of lizard antipredator behavior through ontogeny while focusing on the impact of lifetime and evolutionary exposure to this invasive threat. We used field-caught and lab-reared lizards from a fire ant–invaded and an uninvaded site. In ∼90% of cases, fire ants found lizards within 12 min in natural lizard habitat. Lizards that performed rapid twitches of their body and/or fled after initial encounter with a fire ant scout reduced their risk of having additional fire ants recruit to the attack. The majority of lizards that had been exposed to fire ants within their lifetime (field-caught lizards from the invaded site) behaviorally responded to attack, whereas relatively few lizards that were naïve to fire ants (all lab-reared lizards and field-caught lizards from the uninvaded site) responded. Because fewer adult lizards responded to fire ants than juveniles, they were recruited to by additional attacking ants significantly more than were juveniles. Our data suggest that the higher percentage of responsive adults within invaded populations is the result of within-lifetime selection acting against unresponsive adults, and/or lifetime exposure to fire ants triggering the retention of this juvenile behavior into adulthood, rather than selection acting on a heritable trait across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. A. Freidenfelds
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 208 Mueller Lab, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - T. R. Robbins
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 208 Mueller Lab, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - T. Langkilde
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 208 Mueller Lab, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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Harris DB, Gregory SD, Bull LS, Courchamp F. Island prioritization for invasive rodent eradications with an emphasis on reinvasion risk. Biol Invasions 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-011-0153-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Scale dependent effects of native prey diversity, prey biomass and natural disturbance on the invasion success of an exotic predator. Biol Invasions 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-010-9894-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Bonnaud E, Zarzoso-Lacoste D, Bourgeois K, Ruffino L, Legrand J, Vidal E. Top-predator control on islands boosts endemic prey but not mesopredator. Anim Conserv 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2010.00376.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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32
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Oliver M, Luque-Larena JJ, Lambin X. Do rabbits eat voles? Apparent competition, habitat heterogeneity and large-scale coexistence under mink predation. Ecol Lett 2009; 12:1201-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2009.01375.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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34
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