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Azevedo A, Peste F, Linck P, Carvalho J, Crawshaw D, Ferreira E, Torres RT, Bandeira V. Social Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Free-Roaming Cats and Dogs in Portugal: An Exploratory Study. Animals (Basel) 2025; 15:771. [PMID: 40150300 PMCID: PMC11939513 DOI: 10.3390/ani15060771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2025] [Revised: 02/20/2025] [Accepted: 03/06/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Free-roaming cats and dogs impact biodiversity, public health, and the welfare of other animals. Attitudes towards free-roaming animals can influence their population dynamics and management success. We conducted an online survey to evaluate social perceptions and attitudes towards free-roaming animals among self-selected Portuguese residents aged 18 or older with internet access. The survey focused on responsible ownership, perceptions and attitudes, and management practices, and allowed the collection and analysis of 1083 responses (607 for dogs and 476 for cats). Our results identified needs for improvement in pet ownership: increasing pet cat identification, reducing unsupervised outdoor access, and promoting pet dog sterilization. In terms of management strategies, we found strong support for trap-neuter-release, sheltering, sanctions on abandonment, and educational campaigns. We also found limited support for lethal control methods and fear of culling and long-term caging as barriers to reporting free-roaming animals. While our findings are based on a self-selected online sample, they establish a foundation for future research while also offering valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Azevedo
- CIVG—Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG—Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Filipa Peste
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paloma Linck
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João Carvalho
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Danielle Crawshaw
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Ferreira
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rita Tinoco Torres
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Victor Bandeira
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Lamelas-Lopez L, Ferrante M, Borges PAV, Amorim do Rosário I, Neves V. Nest predation of Cory's shearwater Calonectrisborealis (Aves, Procellariiformes) by introduced mammals on Terceira Island, Azores. Biodivers Data J 2023; 11:e112871. [PMID: 38161491 PMCID: PMC10757304 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.11.e112871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The Azores holds the largest population of Cory's shearwater Calonectrisborealis (Cory, 1881) (Aves, Procellariiformes) in the world. Apart from a few mammal-free islets, the bulk of the population breeds in coastal areas on the main human-inhabited islands, where several non-native predators have been introduced. Throughout the entire year of the 2019 breeding season, we used motion-triggered cameras and regularly visited three colonies of Cory's shearwater to identify nest predators and the factors affecting nest predation. A total of 292,624 photos were obtained, of which 97.7% were of Cory's shearwaters, 1.7% of non-target species (e.g. other birds, rabbits) and 0.52% of potential predators. Of the monitored nests, 25.7% were predated (n = 9), mainly by black rats (n = 8), but also by cats (n = 1). The relative abundance of black rats in the nests was the main factor explaining nest mortality. This variable was significantly and negatively related with the daily survival rate of Cory's shearwater nestlings. Identification of the main nest predators is crucial for the management and conservation of native bird populations, particularly on oceanic islands, which harbour an important number of threatened and endemic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Lamelas-Lopez
- cE3c- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, PortugalcE3c- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042Angra do Heroísmo, AzoresPortugal
| | - Marco Ferrante
- cE3c- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, PortugalcE3c- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042Angra do Heroísmo, AzoresPortugal
- Functional Agrobiodiversity, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, GermanyFunctional Agrobiodiversity, Department of Crop Sciences, University of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Paulo A. V. Borges
- cE3c- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, PortugalcE3c- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042Angra do Heroísmo, AzoresPortugal
| | - Isabel Amorim do Rosário
- cE3c- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, PortugalcE3c- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042Angra do Heroísmo, AzoresPortugal
| | - Veronica Neves
- Ocean Sciences Institute - Okeanos, Department of Science and Technology, Azores University, 9901-862, Horta, Azores, PortugalOcean Sciences Institute - Okeanos, Department of Science and Technology, Azores University, 9901-862Horta, AzoresPortugal
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Lamelas-Lopez L, Borges PAV. Surveying Cory Shearwater colonies with camera traps and identifying potential invasive nest predators. Biodivers Data J 2023; 11:e103270. [PMID: 38327290 PMCID: PMC10848678 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.11.e103270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Azores holds the largest population of Cory's shearwater Calonectrisborealis (Cory, 1881) (Aves, Procellariiformes, Procellariidae) in the world. One of the major threats of this species in the Azores is the predation by invasive mammals, which were introduced during European colonisation of the islands.The present study provides a dataset from a camera-trapping survey performed in colonies of Cory's shearwater. The sampling was conducted between 7 April and 23 October 2019, covering the entire breeding season, in three colonies of the Terceira Island (Azores). A total of 32 nests were sampled using motion-triggered cameras. The aims of this study are to provide information about the ecological patterns of the Cory shearwater and to identify potential nest predators. New information Our results include a total of 6972 records of 15 species (nine species of birds, five of mammals and one reptile), of which 5414 records are of Cory's shearwater, 478 of potential mammal predators and 1080 of another vertebrate species. Information about the biology of the species is also provided, as species circadian behaviour and habitat description.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Lamelas-Lopez
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c)/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, PortugalCentre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c)/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042Angra do Heroísmo, AzoresPortugal
| | - Paulo A. V. Borges
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c)/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, PortugalCentre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c)/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042Angra do Heroísmo, AzoresPortugal
- IUCN SSC Mid-Atlantic Islands Invertebrates Specialist Group, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, PortugalIUCN SSC Mid-Atlantic Islands Invertebrates Specialist GroupAngra do Heroísmo, AzoresPortugal
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Factors influencing the relative abundance of invasive predators and omnivores on islands. Biol Invasions 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02535-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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5
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Liversage K, Kotta J, Kuprijanov I, Rätsep M, Nõomaa K. A trophic cascade facilitates native habitat providers within assemblages of multiple invasive marine species. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- K. Liversage
- Estonian Marine Institute University of Tartu Mäealuse 14 Tallinn12618Estonia
| | - J. Kotta
- Estonian Marine Institute University of Tartu Mäealuse 14 Tallinn12618Estonia
| | - I. Kuprijanov
- Department of Marine Systems Tallinn University of Technology Akadeemia tee 15a Tallinn12618Estonia
| | - M. Rätsep
- Estonian Marine Institute University of Tartu Mäealuse 14 Tallinn12618Estonia
| | - K. Nõomaa
- Estonian Marine Institute University of Tartu Mäealuse 14 Tallinn12618Estonia
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Lamelas-López L, Pardavila X, Borges PAV, Santos-Reis M, Amorim IR, Santos MJ. Modelling the distribution of Mustela nivalis and M. putorius in the Azores archipelago based on native and introduced ranges. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237216. [PMID: 32764786 PMCID: PMC7413552 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to predict the potential distribution of two introduced Mustelidae, Mustela nivalis and M. putorius in the Azores archipelago (Portugal), and evaluate the relative contribution of environmental factors from native and introduced ranges to predict species distribution ranges in oceanic islands. We developed two sets of Species Distribution Models using MaxEnt and distribution data from the native and introduced ranges of the species to project their potential distribution in the archipelago. We found differences in the predicted distributions for the models based on introduced and on native occurrences for both species, with different most important variables being selected. Climatic variables were most important for the introduced range models, while other groups of variables (i.e., human-disturbance) were included in the native-based models. Most of the islands of the Azorean archipelago were predicted to have suitable habitat for both species, even when not yet occupied. Our results showed that predicting the invaded range based on introduced range environmental conditions predicted a narrower range. These results highlight the difficulty to transfer models from native to introduced ranges across taxonomically related species, making it difficult to predict future invasions and range expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Lamelas-López
- cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes / Azorean Biodiversity Group, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University dos Azores, Azores, Portugal
- * E-mail:
| | - Xosé Pardavila
- Department of Cellular Biology and Ecology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago, Spain
| | - Paulo A. V. Borges
- cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes / Azorean Biodiversity Group, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University dos Azores, Azores, Portugal
| | - Margarida Santos-Reis
- cE3c –Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel R. Amorim
- cE3c –Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes / Azorean Biodiversity Group and University of Azores, Azores, Portugal
| | - Maria J. Santos
- University Research Priority Program in Global Change and Biodiversity, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Geography, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Santos SF, Coelho R, Ceia RS, Ramos JA. Downside in habitat restoration: Predation of artificial nests by invasive rodents in Macaronesian laurel forest. J Nat Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125869] [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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8
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Lamelas-Lopez L, Pardavila X, Amorim IR, Borges PAV. Wildlife inventory from camera-trapping surveys in the Azores (Pico and Terceira islands). Biodivers Data J 2020; 8:e47865. [PMID: 32030070 PMCID: PMC6994423 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.8.e47865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The present publication provides a dataset from five camera-trapping sampling campaigns on two islands of the Azorean archipelago (Pico and Terceira islands), between 2013-2018. This dataset was obtained as a by-product of campaigns designed for different purposes. The sampling campaigns were designed to: (i) study the ecology of introduced mammals; (ii) assess the impact of introduced mammals on native birds (Azores woodpigeon - Columbapalumbusazorica and Cory's shearwater - Calonectrisdiomedaborealis), through nest predation; and (iii) obtain information about the impact of vertebrates on agricultural systems, particularly on Azorean traditional vineyards. A total of 258 sites and 47 nests were sampled using camera traps. These sampling campaigns provided a large data series that allowed the creation of a vertebrate wildlife inventory. New information We obtained a total of 102,095 camera-trap records, which allowed us to to identify 30 species of vertebrates: one amphibian, one reptile, 17 birds and ten mammal species. This represented 100% of the amphibians and terrestrial mammals, 58% of the breeding birds and 50% of the reptile species known for Pico and/or Terceira islands. Concerning the colonisation status of the species, we recorded 15 indigenous (native non-endemic or endemic) and three introduced bird species; all known terrestrial amphibians, reptiles and mammals in the Azores are introduced species. The data collected contribute to increasing knowledge on the distribution of vertebrate species on Pico and Terceira islands, where most existing records of some species were only available to Island level (e.g. mustelids and hedgehogs). None of the identified species was previously unknown to the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Lamelas-Lopez
- CE3C - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes / Azorean Biodiversity Group and Universidade dos Açores, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal CE3C - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes / Azorean Biodiversity Group and Universidade dos Açores Angra do Heroísmo, Azores Portugal
| | - Xose Pardavila
- Área de Ecoloxía, Departamento de Bioloxía Celular e Ecoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Spain., Santiago de Compostela, Spain Área de Ecoloxía, Departamento de Bioloxía Celular e Ecoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Spain. Santiago de Compostela Spain
| | - Isabel R Amorim
- CE3C - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes / Azorean Biodiversity Group and Universidade dos Açores, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal CE3C - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes / Azorean Biodiversity Group and Universidade dos Açores Angra do Heroísmo, Azores Portugal
| | - Paulo A V Borges
- CE3C - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes / Azorean Biodiversity Group and Universidade dos Açores, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal CE3C - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes / Azorean Biodiversity Group and Universidade dos Açores Angra do Heroísmo, Azores Portugal
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9
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Prioritising islands in the United Kingdom and crown dependencies for the eradication of invasive alien vertebrates and rodent biosecurity. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-017-1084-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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10
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Gérard A, Jourdan H, Millon A, Vidal E. Anti-predator behaviour in a procellariid seabird: Wedge-tailed shearwaters do not respond to the odour of introduced ship rats. AUSTRAL ECOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Gérard
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Écologie marine et continentale (IMBE); Aix-Marseille Université, UMR CNRS - IRD - UAPV, Centre IRD de Nouméa; BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex Nouvelle-Calédonie France
| | - H. Jourdan
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Écologie marine et continentale (IMBE); Aix-Marseille Université, UMR CNRS - IRD - UAPV, Centre IRD de Nouméa; BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex Nouvelle-Calédonie France
| | - A. Millon
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Écologie marine et continentale (IMBE); Aix-Marseille Université, UMR CNRS - IRD - UAPV, Europôle de l'Arbois; Aix-en-Provence France
| | - E. Vidal
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Écologie marine et continentale (IMBE); Aix-Marseille Université, UMR CNRS - IRD - UAPV, Centre IRD de Nouméa; BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex Nouvelle-Calédonie France
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Sutherland DR, Dann P, Jessop RE. Evaluation of artificial nest sites for long-term conservation of a burrow-nesting seabird. J Wildl Manage 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Duncan R. Sutherland
- Research Department; Phillip Island Nature Parks; PO Box 97 Cowes Victoria 3922 Australia
| | - Peter Dann
- Research Department; Phillip Island Nature Parks; PO Box 97 Cowes Victoria 3922 Australia
| | - Rosalind E. Jessop
- Environment Department; Phillip Island Nature Parks; PO Box 97 Cowes Victoria 3922 Australia
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12
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Oppel S, Burns F, Vickery J, George K, Ellick G, Leo D, Hillman JC. Habitat-specific effectiveness of feral cat control for the conservation of an endemic ground-nesting bird species. J Appl Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Oppel
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science; Royal Society for the Protection of Birds; The Lodge Sandy Bedfordshire SG19 2DL UK
| | - Fiona Burns
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science; Royal Society for the Protection of Birds; The Lodge Sandy Bedfordshire SG19 2DL UK
| | - Juliet Vickery
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science; Royal Society for the Protection of Birds; The Lodge Sandy Bedfordshire SG19 2DL UK
| | - Kevin George
- St Helena National Trust; Broadway House Jamestown St Helena STHL 1ZZ South Atlantic
| | - Gavin Ellick
- St Helena National Trust; Broadway House Jamestown St Helena STHL 1ZZ South Atlantic
| | - Dennis Leo
- St Helena National Trust; Broadway House Jamestown St Helena STHL 1ZZ South Atlantic
| | - Jesse C. Hillman
- St Helena National Trust; Broadway House Jamestown St Helena STHL 1ZZ South Atlantic
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Hervías S, Ceia FR, Pipa T, Nogales M, de Ybáñez RR, Ramos JA. How important are seabirds in the diet of black rats on islands with a superpredator? ZOOLOGY 2014; 117:171-8. [PMID: 24726532 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Revised: 12/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed the impact of introduced black rats (Rattus rattus) on Cory's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea borealis) in a multi-invaded insular ecosystem where rats are mesopredators. We hypothesized that black rats should have little impact on Cory's shearwaters in the presence of cats as superpredators. Stomach contents and stable isotope analysis (SIA) in tissues of black rats were analyzed to assess the trophic ecology and the importance of Cory's shearwater in their diet. We also studied the isotopic signature in tissues of house mouse (Mus domesticus) to confirm previous data showing no predation of this species on Cory's shearwaters. For both rodent species, temporal variation in diet composition in response to the availability of seabird prey was evaluated, and short- and long-term consistency in diet was tested using different tissues from the same individual. For black rats a Bayesian isotope mixing model (SIAR) was applied to determine the relative contribution of each prey to the individual diet. SIA of mouse tissues varied between the Cory's shearwater breeding and non-breeding periods. However, no significant differences were found in diet and SIA for black rats. In contrast, individuals of both species showed a strong consistency in diet which apparently benefited their body condition index. Although black rats supplement their diet with Cory's shearwater eggs and chicks (8.3% in stomach contents and 10.6% in the SIAR model), their current impact on the Cory's shearwater population appears to be small, probably due to several factors including the small size of the rat population and a high level of rat predation by cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Hervías
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain; Island Ecology and Evolution Research Group (IPNA-CSIC), Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 3, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds, Avenida João Crisóstomo, 18-4°Dto, 1000-179 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Filipe R Ceia
- Marine and Environmental Research Center (IMAR/CMA), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Apartado 3046, 3001-401 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Tânia Pipa
- Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds, Avenida João Crisóstomo, 18-4°Dto, 1000-179 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuel Nogales
- Island Ecology and Evolution Research Group (IPNA-CSIC), Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 3, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Rocío Ruiz de Ybáñez
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jaime A Ramos
- Marine and Environmental Research Center (IMAR/CMA), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Apartado 3046, 3001-401 Coimbra, Portugal
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Oppel S, Hervias S, Oliveira N, Pipa T, Silva C, Geraldes P, Goh M, Immler E, McKown M. Estimating population size of a nocturnal burrow-nesting seabird using acoustic monitoring and habitat mapping. NATURE CONSERVATION 2014. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.7.6890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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15
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Hervías S, Oppel S, Medina FM, Pipa T, Díez A, Ramos JA, Ruiz de Ybáñez R, Nogales M. Assessing the impact of introduced cats on island biodiversity by combining dietary and movement analysis. J Zool (1987) 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Hervías
- Animal Health Department; Faculty of Veterinary; Regional Campus of International Excellence ‘Campus Mare Nostrum’; University of Murcia; Murcia Spain
- Island Ecology and Evolution Research Group (IPNA-CSIC); La Laguna Spain
- Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA); Lisboa Portugal
| | - S. Oppel
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB); London UK
| | - F. M. Medina
- Island Ecology and Evolution Research Group (IPNA-CSIC); La Laguna Spain
- Servicio de Medio Ambiente; Cabildo Insular de La Palma; La Palma Spain
| | - T. Pipa
- Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA); Lisboa Portugal
| | - A. Díez
- Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA); Lisboa Portugal
| | - J. A. Ramos
- Department of Life Sciences; Marine and Environmental Research Center (IMAR/CMA); University of Coimbra; Coimbra Portugal
| | - R. Ruiz de Ybáñez
- Animal Health Department; Faculty of Veterinary; Regional Campus of International Excellence ‘Campus Mare Nostrum’; University of Murcia; Murcia Spain
| | - M. Nogales
- Island Ecology and Evolution Research Group (IPNA-CSIC); La Laguna Spain
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Hervías S, Ramos JA, Nogales M, Ruiz de Ybáñez R. Effect of exotic mammalian predators on parasites of Cory's shearwater: ecological effect on population health and breeding success. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:2721-30. [PMID: 23708397 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3443-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Predator activity around the nests induces stress in breeding birds, which may have weaker immunity and are therefore more susceptible to parasite infections. The influence of predators on parasites has only been observed in land birds, and most studies are experimental. As seabird colonies offer excellent conditions for parasites, here we assess the influence of mouse, rat, and cat activity on parasites in Cory's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea borealis). Adults were examined for blood parasites and one adult and the juvenile from 53 nests were inspected for ectoparasites over two consecutive years (2010 and 2011). Nests differed in their physical characteristics and indices of mammal predator activity and were checked weekly to assess breeding success. Our results showed absence of blood parasites. Among the environmental factors, predator pressure received the most support (89 %) from the data as influencing nest ectoparasite intensity. Birds most infected had worse body condition, and breeding success was negatively influenced by predator activity and ectoparasite intensity. To our knowledge, this is the first analysis of the interaction between mammal predators and ectoparasites in seabird species and supports greater protection through eradication efforts. In addition, we provide the first data on the endoparasite fauna of Cory's shearwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Hervías
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary, Regional Campus of International Excellence Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100-Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
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