1
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Sheppard CE, Boström-Einarsson L, Williams GJ, Exton DA, Keith SA. Variation in farming damselfish behaviour creates a competitive landscape of risk on coral reefs. Biol Lett 2024; 20:20240035. [PMID: 38807544 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2024.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Interspecific interactions are fundamental drivers of animal space use. Yet while non-consumptive effects of predation risk on prey space use are well-known, the risk of aggressive interactions on space use of competitors is largely unknown. We apply the landscape of risk framework to competition-driven space use for the first time, with the hypothesis that less aggressive competitors may alter their behaviour to avoid areas of high competitor density. Specifically, we test how aggressive risk from territorial algal-farming damselfishes can shape the spatial distribution of herbivore fish competitors. We found that only the most aggressive damselfish had fewer competitors in their surrounding area, demonstrating that individual-level behavioural variation can shape spatial distributions. In contradiction to the landscape of risk framework, abundances of farming damselfish and other fishes were positively associated. Our results suggest that reef fishes do not simply avoid areas of high damselfish abundance, but that spatial variation in aggressive behaviour, rather than of individuals, created a competitive landscape of risk. We emphasize the importance of individual-level behaviour in identifying patterns of space use and propose expanding the landscape of risk framework to non-predatory interactions to explore cascading behavioural responses to aggressive risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Sheppard
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | | | - Gareth J Williams
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Dan A Exton
- Operation Wallacea, Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke, Spilsby PE23 4EX, UK
| | - Sally A Keith
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
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2
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Howell E, White A, Lurz PWW, Boots M. Immune interactions and heterogeneity in transmission drives the pathogen-mediated invasion of grey squirrels in the UK. J Anim Ecol 2024. [PMID: 38494654 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14074] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Mathematical models highlighted the importance of pathogen-mediated invasion, with the replacement of red squirrels by squirrelpox virus (SQPV) carrying grey squirrels in the UK, a well-known example. In this study, we combine new epidemiological models, with a range of infection characteristics, with recent longitudinal field and experimental studies on the SQPV dynamics in red and grey squirrel populations to better infer the mechanistic basis of the disease interaction. A key finding is that a model with either partial immunity or waning immunity and reinfection, where individuals become seropositive on the second exposure to infection, that up to now has been shown in experimental data only, can capture the key aspects of the field study observations. By fitting to SQPV epidemic observations in isolated red squirrel populations, we can infer that SQPV transmission between red squirrels is significantly (4×) higher than the transmission between grey squirrels and as a result our model shows that disease-mediated replacement of red squirrels by greys is considerably more rapid than replacement in the absence of SQPV. Our findings recover the key results of the previous model studies, which highlights the value of simple strategic models that are appropriate when there are limited data, but also emphasise the likely complexity of immune interactions in wildlife disease and how models can help infer disease processes from field data.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Howell
- Department of Mathematics and the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A White
- Department of Mathematics and the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - P W W Lurz
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, UK
| | - M Boots
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall, UK
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3
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Shannon G, Valle S, Shuttleworth CM. Capturing red squirrels ( Sciurus vulgaris) on camera: A cost-effective approach for monitoring relative abundance and habitat preference. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10536. [PMID: 37794876 PMCID: PMC10546084 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10536] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective methods for monitoring animal populations are crucial for species conservation and habitat management. Motion-activated cameras provide an affordable method for passively surveying animal presence across the landscape but have mainly been used for studying large-bodied mammals. This paper explores the relative abundance and habitat preferences of red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in coniferous forests using cameras and live trapping. The study was conducted in two forests (Newborough and Pentraeth) on Anglesey, North Wales, with a total of 50 sampling locations across four habitat categories. Detailed woodland structure and composition data were gathered around each sampling location. We found a strong positive correlation between the number of individual red squirrels live trapped over 10 days with the number of camera images of squirrels recorded during a previous 5-day period. The time interval between camera deployment and the first recorded image of a red squirrel showed a significant negative correlation with the number of individuals live trapped. Red squirrel relative abundance was negatively related to forest canopy openness, while the presence of Scots pine and increased tree species diversity were positively associated with the relative abundance of squirrels. There was also a strong site difference with lower relative abundance at Newborough compared with Pentraeth, which likely reflects the heavy thinning of mature forest at Newborough reducing tree crown connectivity. The results show that remotely activated cameras are an effective method for monitoring red squirrel populations across varying animal densities. The cameras also provided crucial information on red squirrel habitat preferences that can aid in woodland management and conservation efforts. Cameras have great potential to collect data on the population status of other small mammals, but it is essential that these methods are validated on a species-by-species basis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Valle
- School of Natural SciencesBangor UniversityBangorUK
- IUCN Species Survival Commission Conservation Planning Specialist GroupSt. PaulMinnesotaUSA
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4
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Wauters LA, Lurz PWW, Santicchia F, Romeo C, Ferrari N, Martinoli A, Gurnell J. Interactions between native and invasive species: A systematic review of the red squirrel-gray squirrel paradigm. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1083008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) has been labeled as one of the 100 worst invasive alien species by the IUCN. In Europe, the species has been introduced to Britain, Ireland and Italy, and its subsequent spread has resulted in wide-scale extinction of native Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) from the areas colonized by the gray squirrel. This replacement of a native by an alien competitor is one of the best documented cases of the devastating effects of biological invasions on native fauna. To understand how this replacement occurs, we present a systematic review of the literature on competition and interactions between red and gray squirrels. We describe the patterns of red and gray squirrel distribution in those parts of Europe where gray squirrels occur and summarize the evidence on the different processes and mechanisms determining the outcome of competition between the native and alien species including the influence of predators and pathogens. Some of the drivers behind the demise of the red squirrel have been intensively studied and documented in the past 30 years, but recent field studies and mathematical models revealed that the mechanisms underlying the red-gray paradigm are more complex than previously thought and affected by landscape-level processes. Therefore, we consider habitat type and multi-species interactions, including host-parasite and predator-prey relationships, to determine the outcome of the interaction between the two species and to better address gray squirrel control efforts.
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5
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Generalism in nature: a community ecology perspective. COMMUNITY ECOL 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s42974-022-00130-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
AbstractLife on Earth is complex and generally abounds in food webs with other living organisms in terms of an ecological community. Besides such complexity, and the fact that populations of most living organisms have never been studied in terms of their molecular ecology, it is best to tread carefully when describing a given species as a ‘generalist’, more especially in terms of dietary and habitat breadth. We very much doubt that population homogeneity ever exists—because populations are always undergoing molecular-genetic changes, sometimes rapid, in response to various ecological challenges (e.g. climate, intra- and interspecific competition). In any case, a population may already have begun to undergo cryptic speciation. Such entities can occupy different habitats or exhibit different dietary breadths as a result of various ecological interactions formed over different spatial scales. These scales include everything from local (including islands) to geographic. The fossil evidence reveals that specialisations have existed over vast swathes of time. Besides, as is well documented, evolution only occurs as a result of adaptations leading to specialisation, and ultimately, specialist entitles, i.e. species and lower levels of ecological-evolutionary divergence. Here, focusing on diet, we posit that the terms mono-, oligo-and polyphagous are more accurate in relation to the dietary breadth of animals, with omnivory adopted in the case of organisms with very different food items. Thus, we strongly urge that the dubious and unscientific term ‘generalism’ be dropped in favour of these more precise and scientifically accurate terms directly relating to levels of phagy.
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6
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Twining JP, Lawton C, White A, Sheehy E, Hobson K, Montgomery WI, Lambin X. Restoring vertebrate predator populations can provide landscape-scale biological control of established invasive vertebrates: Insights from pine marten recovery in Europe. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:5368-5384. [PMID: 35706099 PMCID: PMC9542606 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Invasive species pose one of the greatest global threats to biodiversity. There has been a long history of importing coevolved natural enemies to act as biological control agents to try to suppress densities of invasive species, with historically limited success and frequent adverse impacts on native biodiversity. Our understanding of the processes and drivers of successful biological control has been focussed on invertebrates and is evidently limited and potentially ill-suited with respect to biological control of vertebrate populations. The restoration of native vertebrate predator populations provides a promising nature-based solution for slowing, halting, or even reversing the spread of some invasive vertebrates over spatial scales relevant to the management of wildlife populations. Here, we first review the growing literature and data from the pine marten-red and grey squirrel system in Europe. We synthesise a multi-decadal dataset to show that the recovery of a native predator has resulted in rapid, landscape-scale declines of an established invasive species. We then use the model system, predator-prey interaction theory, and examples from the literature to develop ecological theory relating to natural biological control in vertebrates and evolutionary processes in native-invasive predator-prey interactions. We find support for the hypotheses that evolutionary naivety of invasive species to native predators and lack of local refuges results in higher predation of naive compared to coevolved prey. We apply lessons learnt from the marten-squirrel model system to examine the plausibility of specific native predator solutions to some of the Earth's most devastating invasive vertebrates. Given the evidence, we conclude that depletion of vertebrate predator populations has increased ecosystem vulnerability to invasions and thus facilitated the spread of invasive species. Therefore, restoration of vertebrate predator populations is an underappreciated, fundamental, nature-based solution to the crisis of invasive species and should be a priority for vertebrate invasive species management globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P. Twining
- Department of Natural ResourcesCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
- School of Biological SciencesQueen's UniversityBelfastUK
| | - Colin Lawton
- School of Natural Sciences, Ryan InstituteNational University of Ireland GalwayGalwayIreland
| | - Andy White
- Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Department of MathematicsHeriot‐Watt UniversityEdinburghUK
| | - Emma Sheehy
- School of Natural Sciences, Ryan InstituteNational University of Ireland GalwayGalwayIreland
| | - Keziah Hobson
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | | | - Xavier Lambin
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
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7
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Slade A, White A, Lurz PWW, Shuttleworth C, Lambin X. A temporal refuge from predation can change the outcome of prey species competition. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Slade
- Maxwell Inst. for Mathematical Sciences, Dept of Mathematics, Heriot‐Watt Univ. Edinburgh UK
| | - Andy White
- Maxwell Inst. for Mathematical Sciences, Dept of Mathematics, Heriot‐Watt Univ. Edinburgh UK
| | - Peter W. W. Lurz
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Univ. of Edinburgh Midlothian UK
| | | | - Xavier Lambin
- School of Biological Sciences, Univ. of Aberdeen Aberdeen UK
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8
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Marneweck CJ, Forehand CR, Waggy CD, Harris SN, Katzner TE, Jachowski DS. Nocturnal light-specific temporal partitioning facilitates coexistence for a small mesopredator, the eastern spotted skunk. J ETHOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10164-021-00743-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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9
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Twining JP, Sutherland C, Reid N, Tosh DG. Habitat mediates coevolved but not novel species interactions. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20212338. [PMID: 35016538 PMCID: PMC8753165 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.2338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing recovery of native predators has the potential to alter species interactions, with community and ecosystem wide implications. We estimated the co-occurrence of three species of conservation and management interest from a multi-species citizen science camera trap survey. We demonstrate fundamental differences in novel and coevolved predator-prey interactions that are mediated by habitat. Specifically, we demonstrate that anthropogenic habitat modification had no influence on the expansion of the recovering native pine marten in Ireland, nor does it affect the predator's suppressive influence on an invasive prey species, the grey squirrel. By contrast, the direction of the interaction between the pine marten and a native prey species, the red squirrel, is dependent on habitat. Pine martens had a positive influence on red squirrel occurrence at a landscape scale, especially in native broadleaf woodlands. However, in areas dominated by non-native conifer plantations, the pine marten reduced red squirrel occurrence. These findings suggest that following the recovery of a native predator, the benefits of competitive release are spatially structured and habitat-specific. The potential for past and future landscape modification to alter established interactions between predators and prey has global implications in the context of the ongoing recovery of predator populations in human-modified landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P. Twining
- Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Fernow Hall, Ithaca, NY 14882, USA,School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Chris Sutherland
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM), The Observatory, Buchanan Gardens, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9LZ, UK
| | - Neil Reid
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK,Institute of Global Food Security (IGFS), Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - David G. Tosh
- National Museums NI, 153 Bangor Road, Cultra BT18 0EU, UK
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10
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Kupferman CA, Crupi AP, Waits LP, Gilbert SL. Spatial and temporal partitioning of mustelids in Southeast Alaska. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin A. Kupferman
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory University of Georgia P.O. Drawer E Aiken South Carolina 29802 USA
| | - Anthony P. Crupi
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game 802 3rd Street Douglas Alaska 99824 USA
| | - Lisette P. Waits
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 1136 Moscow Idaho 83844 USA
| | - Sophie L. Gilbert
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 1136 Moscow Idaho 83844 USA
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11
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Roberts MG, Heesterbeek JAP. Infection dynamics in ecosystems: on the interaction between red and grey squirrels, pox virus, pine martens and trees. J R Soc Interface 2021; 18:20210551. [PMID: 34637641 PMCID: PMC8513127 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0551] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecological and epidemiological processes and interactions influence each other, positively and negatively, directly and indirectly. The invasion potential of pathogens is influenced by the ecosystem context of their host species' populations. This extends to the capacity of (multiple) host species to maintain their (common) pathogen and the way pathogen dynamics are influenced by changes in ecosystem composition. This paper exemplifies these interactions and consequences in a study of red and grey squirrel dynamics in the UK. Differences and changes in background habitat and trophic levels above and below the squirrel species lead to different dynamic behaviour in many subtle ways. The range of outcomes of the different interactions shows that one has to be careful when drawing conclusions about the mechanisms and processes involved in explaining observed phenomena concerning pathogens in their natural environment. The dynamic behaviour also shows that planning interventions, for example for conservation purposes, benefits from understanding the complexity of interactions beyond the particular pathogen and its threatened host species.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Roberts
- School of Natural and Computational Sciences, New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study and the Infectious Disease Research Centre, Massey University, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore Mail Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J A P Heesterbeek
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Yalelaan 7, Utrecht 3584 CL, The Netherlands
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12
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Emmet RL, Long RA, Gardner B. Modeling multi‐scale occupancy for monitoring rare and highly mobile species. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert L. Emmet
- Quantitative Ecology and Resource Management University of Washington Seattle, Washington 98195 USA
| | | | - Beth Gardner
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences University of Washington Seattle Washington 98195 USA
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13
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Waggershauser CN, Ruffino L, Kortland K, Lambin X. Lethal interactions among forest-grouse predators are numerous, motivated by hunger and carcasses, and their impacts determined by the demographic value of the victims. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:7164-7186. [PMID: 34188804 PMCID: PMC8216895 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
New vertebrate communities are emerging in Europe following the recovery of multiple native predators to highly anthropized landscapes where predator control is still prevalent. While the lack of reference points for these communities creates novel challenges for conservationists and wildlife managers, they also provide opportunities to further our understanding of species interactions. Despite a growing body of evidence, many aspects of interactions among predators remain poorly understood, impairing our ability to anticipate the effects of such changes in predator communities. Through a systematic literature review, we gathered all the available evidence concerning the existence, strength, and demographic impacts of lethal predator interactions among forest-grouse predators in Europe. We found a highly interconnected predator community, with 44 pairwise lethal interactions among 12 taxa. Three of these resulted in some degree of population suppression of the victim, while another three did not. However, most interactions (38) have not been evaluated for population suppression. Additionally, we highlight how predators interact simultaneously with a large range of other predators and identified at least two further taxa possibly suppressed through the combined impacts of multiple predators. We propose that interactions causing demographic suppression are characterized by impacts on individuals with high survival elasticity and that they are motivated by food limitation and additionally, in mammals, by competition for carcasses. Predator interactions, and our still poor understanding of them, introduce large uncertainties to conservation actions based on the management of predator abundances, which should be carefully evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xavier Lambin
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
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14
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O’Reilly C, Turner P, O’Mahony DT, Twining JP, Tosh DG, Smal C, McAney K, Powell C, Power J, O’Meara DB. Not out of the woods yet: genetic insights related to the recovery of the pine marten (Martes martes) in Ireland. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In this study, the history of the pine marten (Martes martes) in Ireland is reviewed, revealing that the population has undergone several retractions and expansions over the last few hundred years. Here, we consider the genetic legacy of this flux in fortunes and its likely impacts upon the conservation and future recovery of the species. Using nuclear DNA markers (microsatellites), we found that the genetic diversity present in Ireland today is like that of other Irish carnivores, but there is evidence of a genetic bottleneck and low effective population size that might result in further reductions of diversity in the future. There is a lack of genetic structure, showing that the population has not been fragmented genetically, despite the low percentage of woodland in Ireland. We also reviewed the mitochondrial DNA diversity present in the Irish population and showed that there is only one contemporary and one extinct haplotype present; a reduced diversity relative to other Irish carnivores. The Irish haplotypes, both extant and extinct, are shared or are genetically similar to haplotypes commonly present in southern Europe today. We discuss the possibility of reinforcing the Irish population with animals from these sources to help supplement and maintain genetic diversity for future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine O’Reilly
- Molecular Ecology Research Group, Eco-innovation Research Centre, School of Science and Computing, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Peter Turner
- Molecular Ecology Research Group, Eco-innovation Research Centre, School of Science and Computing, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
| | | | - Joshua P Twining
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - David G Tosh
- National Museums Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Christopher Smal
- Ecological Solutions, Rathdown Upper, Greystones, County Wicklow, Ireland
| | - Kate McAney
- Vincent Wildlife Trust, Donaghpatrick, Headford, County Galway, Ireland
| | - Ciara Powell
- Molecular Ecology Research Group, Eco-innovation Research Centre, School of Science and Computing, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
| | - John Power
- Molecular Ecology Research Group, Eco-innovation Research Centre, School of Science and Computing, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Denise B O’Meara
- Molecular Ecology Research Group, Eco-innovation Research Centre, School of Science and Computing, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
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15
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Shuttleworth CM, Brady D, Cross P, Gardner L, Greenwood A, Jackson N, McKinney C, Robinson N, Trotter S, Valle S, Wood K, Hayward MW. Recalibrating risk: Implications of squirrelpox virus for successful red squirrel translocations within mainland
UK. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paul Cross
- School of Natural Sciences, College Road, Bangor University Gwynedd Wales UK
| | | | - Andrew Greenwood
- Wildlife Vets International, Station House Keighley West Yorkshire UK
| | - Nick Jackson
- National Zoological Society of Wales Colwyn Bay, Conwy UK
| | | | - Nikki Robinson
- The Wildlife Trusts, The Kiln, Waterside Newark, Nottinghamshire UK
| | | | - Simon Valle
- School of Natural Sciences, College Road, Bangor University Gwynedd Wales UK
| | - Kim Wood
- National Zoological Society of Wales Colwyn Bay, Conwy UK
| | - Matt W. Hayward
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle Callaghan New South Wales Australia
- Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela University Port Elizabeth South Africa
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16
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Reinstating trophic cascades as an applied conservation tool to protect forest ecosystems from invasive grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis). FOOD WEBS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2020.e00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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17
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Bavin D, MacPherson J, Denman H, Crowley SL, McDonald RA. Using Q‐methodology to understand stakeholder perspectives on a carnivore translocation. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Bavin
- Vincent Wildlife Trust Ledbury UK
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | | | | | - Sarah L. Crowley
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn UK
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18
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Twining JP, Montgomery WI, Tosh DG. Declining invasive grey squirrel populations may persist in refugia as native predator recovery reverses squirrel species replacement. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P. Twining
- School of Biological Sciences Queen's University of Belfast Belfast UK
| | - W. Ian Montgomery
- School of Biological Sciences Queen's University of Belfast Belfast UK
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19
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Twining JP, Montgomery WI, Tosh DG. The dynamics of pine marten predation on red and grey squirrels. Mamm Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-020-00031-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractInvasive alien species pose one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity. In parts of Europe, introduced eastern grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) have caused regional extinctions of the native red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). However, exposure to pine martens (Martes martes) has been demonstrated to reverse the competitive outcome between red and grey squirrels. The mechanism whereby this effect occurs remains unclear. It is hypothesised that direct predation, facilitated by a lack of behavioural response, is the mechanism driving this relationship. We review the literature and reanalyse a new dataset to provide further data on the occurrence of both squirrel species in the scats of pine marten. Both squirrel species occurred in the scats of pine marten confirming its role as a predator of these species. Predation of grey squirrels was significantly higher than red squirrels and was recorded only in spring and summer. Our review provides evidence for the mechanism driving the current decline in grey squirrels in Ireland and Scotland and supports the hypothesis that in the presence of a shared predator, direct predation influences the outcome of species interactions between native red and non-native grey squirrels.
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20
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Perlut NG. Long-Distance Dispersal by Eastern Gray Squirrels in Suburban Habitats. Northeast Nat (Steuben) 2020. [DOI: 10.1656/045.027.0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Noah G. Perlut
- Department of Environmental Studies, 11 Hills Beach Road, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005;
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21
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McNicol CM, Bavin D, Bearhop S, Ferryman M, Gill R, Goodwin CED, MacPherson J, Silk MJ, McDonald RA. Translocated native pine martens
Martes martes
alter short‐term space use by invasive non‐native grey squirrels
Sciurus carolinensis. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - David Bavin
- Vincent Wildlife TrustBronsil Courtyard Eastnor, Ledbury UK
| | - Stuart Bearhop
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | | | - Robin Gill
- Forest Research Alice Holt Lodge Farnham UK
| | | | | | - Matthew J. Silk
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn UK
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter Penryn UK
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22
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Twining JP, Ian Montgomery W, Price L, Kunc HP, Tosh DG. Native and invasive squirrels show different behavioural responses to scent of a shared native predator. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:191841. [PMID: 32257340 PMCID: PMC7062111 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.191841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Invasive species pose a serious threat to native species. In Europe, invasive grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) have replaced native red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in locations across Britain, Ireland and Italy. The European pine marten (Martes martes) can reverse the replacement of red squirrels by grey squirrels, but the underlying mechanism of how pine martens suppress grey squirrels is little understood. Research suggests the reversal process is driven by direct predation, but why the native red squirrel may be less susceptible than the invasive grey squirrel to predation by a commonly shared native predator, is unknown. A behavioural difference may exist with the native sciurid being more effective at avoiding predation by the pine marten with which they have a shared evolutionary history. In mammals, olfactory cues are used by prey species to avoid predators. To test whether anti-predator responses differ between the native red squirrel and the invasive grey squirrel, we exposed both species to scent cues of a shared native predator and quantified the responses of the two squirrel species. Red squirrels responded to pine marten scent by avoiding the feeder, increasing their vigilance and decreasing their feeding activity. By contrast, grey squirrels did not show any anti-predator behaviours in response to the scent of pine marten. Thus, differences in behavioural responses to a shared native predator may assist in explaining differing outcomes of species interactions between native and invasive prey species depending on the presence, abundance and exposure to native predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P. Twining
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University of Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL Northern Ireland, UK
| | - W. Ian Montgomery
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University of Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Lily Price
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University of Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Hansjoerg P. Kunc
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University of Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL Northern Ireland, UK
| | - David G. Tosh
- National Museums NI, 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, BT18 0EU Northern Ireland, UK
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23
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Roberts MG, Heesterbeek JAP. Characterizing reservoirs of infection and the maintenance of pathogens in ecosystems. J R Soc Interface 2020; 17:20190540. [PMID: 31937232 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2019.0540] [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: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We use a previously published compartmental model of the dynamics of pathogens in ecosystems to define and explore the concepts of maintenance host, maintenance community and reservoir of infection in a full ecological context of interacting host and non-host species. We show that, contrary to their current use in the literature, these concepts can only be characterized relative to the ecosystem in which the host species are embedded, and are not 'life-history traits' of (groups of) species. We give a number of examples to demonstrate that the same (group of) host species can lose or gain maintenance or reservoir capability as a result of a changing ecosystem context, even when these changes primarily affect non-hosts. One therefore has to be careful in designating host species as either maintenance or reservoir in absolute terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Roberts
- School of Natural and Computational Sciences, New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study and the Infectious Disease Research Centre, Massey University, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore Mail Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J A P Heesterbeek
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
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24
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Shuttleworth CM, Everest DJ, Dastjerdi A, Birks J, Hayward MW. Pine marten scat holds few clues for squirrel disease. Vet Rec 2019; 185:698. [PMID: 31806837 DOI: 10.1136/vr.l6687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C M Shuttleworth
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW
| | - D J Everest
- Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - A Dastjerdi
- Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - Jds Birks
- Swift Ecology, Fartown Barn, Pensax, Abberley, Worcestershire WR6 6AE
| | - M W Hayward
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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25
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Novel real-time PCR species identification assays for British and Irish bats and their application to a non-invasive survey of bat roosts in Ireland. Mamm Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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26
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Broughton RK. Current and future impacts of nest predation and nest‐site competition by invasive eastern grey squirrels
Sciurus carolinensis
on European birds. Mamm Rev 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard K. Broughton
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Maclean BuildingCrowmarsh Gifford Wallingford OX10 8BBUK
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27
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Wauters LA, Mazzamuto MV, Santicchia F, Van Dongen S, Preatoni DG, Martinoli A. Interspecific competition affects the expression of personality-traits in natural populations. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11189. [PMID: 31371774 PMCID: PMC6673699 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47694-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Competition between animal species can cause niche partitioning and shape an individual’s phenotype, including its behaviour. However, little is known about effects of interspecific competition on personality, the among-individual variation in behaviour that is consistent across different spatial and temporal contexts. We investigated whether alien grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) influenced the expression of personality traits in native red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris). In Italy, alien grey squirrels replaced native reds through competition for food resources and space, reducing breeding and recruitment in the native species. We compared personality of red squirrels in red-only (no interspecific competition) and red-grey (with interspecific competition) sites, using arena-tests. The trait activity was measured by Open Field Test while sociability and avoidance were quantified by Mirror Image Stimulation test. Red squirrels co-occurring with the alien species had higher sociability scores and higher between-individual variation in sociability than in red-only sites. Differences in activity and avoidance were not significant. Personality – fitness relationships were not affected by presence or absence of grey squirrels, suggesting that the expression of sociability in red squirrels was not due to short-term selection, but was likely the result of context-related advantages when co-occurring with the competing species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A Wauters
- Environment Analysis and Management Unit, Guido Tosi Research Group, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto
- Environment Analysis and Management Unit, Guido Tosi Research Group, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Francesca Santicchia
- Environment Analysis and Management Unit, Guido Tosi Research Group, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Damiano G Preatoni
- Environment Analysis and Management Unit, Guido Tosi Research Group, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
| | - Adriano Martinoli
- Environment Analysis and Management Unit, Guido Tosi Research Group, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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28
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Kelt DA, Heske EJ, Lambin X, Oli MK, Orrock JL, Ozgul A, Pauli JN, Prugh LR, Sollmann R, Sommer S. Advances in population ecology and species interactions in mammals. J Mammal 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe study of mammals has promoted the development and testing of many ideas in contemporary ecology. Here we address recent developments in foraging and habitat selection, source–sink dynamics, competition (both within and between species), population cycles, predation (including apparent competition), mutualism, and biological invasions. Because mammals are appealing to the public, ecological insight gleaned from the study of mammals has disproportionate potential in educating the public about ecological principles and their application to wise management. Mammals have been central to many computational and statistical developments in recent years, including refinements to traditional approaches and metrics (e.g., capture-recapture) as well as advancements of novel and developing fields (e.g., spatial capture-recapture, occupancy modeling, integrated population models). The study of mammals also poses challenges in terms of fully characterizing dynamics in natural conditions. Ongoing climate change threatens to affect global ecosystems, and mammals provide visible and charismatic subjects for research on local and regional effects of such change as well as predictive modeling of the long-term effects on ecosystem function and stability. Although much remains to be done, the population ecology of mammals continues to be a vibrant and rapidly developing field. We anticipate that the next quarter century will prove as exciting and productive for the study of mammals as has the recent one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas A Kelt
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Edward J Heske
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Xavier Lambin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Madan K Oli
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - John L Orrock
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Arpat Ozgul
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan N Pauli
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Laura R Prugh
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rahel Sollmann
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Stefan Sommer
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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29
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Croose E, Birks JDS, Martin J, Ventress G, MacPherson J, O’Reilly C. Comparing the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of sampling methods for estimating population abundance and density of a recovering carnivore: the European pine marten (Martes martes). EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-019-1282-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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30
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Flaherty M, Lawton C. The regional demise of a non-native invasive species: the decline of grey squirrels in Ireland. Biol Invasions 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-019-01987-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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31
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Manlick PJ, Petersen SM, Moriarty KM, Pauli JN. Stable isotopes reveal limited Eltonian niche conservatism across carnivore populations. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Manlick
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison Wisconsin
| | - Shelby M. Petersen
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison Wisconsin
| | - Katie M. Moriarty
- Pacific Northwest Research Station USDA Forest Service Olympia Washington
| | - Jonathan N. Pauli
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison Wisconsin
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32
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Sheehy E, Sutherland C, O'Reilly C, Lambin X. The enemy of my enemy is my friend: native pine marten recovery reverses the decline of the red squirrel by suppressing grey squirrel populations. Proc Biol Sci 2019. [PMID: 29514972 PMCID: PMC5879625 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.2603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Shared enemies may instigate or modify competitive interactions between species. The dis-equilibrium caused by non-native species introductions has revealed that the outcome of such indirect interactions can often be dramatic. However, studies of enemy-mediated competition mostly consider the impact of a single enemy, despite species being embedded in complex networks of interactions. Here, we demonstrate that native red and invasive grey squirrels in Britain, two terrestrial species linked by resource and disease-mediated apparent competition, are also now linked by a second enemy-mediated relationship involving a shared native predator recovering from historical persecution, the European pine marten. Through combining spatial capture–recapture techniques to estimate pine marten density, and squirrel site-occupancy data, we find that the impact of exposure to predation is highly asymmetrical, with non-native grey squirrel occupancy strongly negatively affected by exposure to pine martens. By contrast, exposure to pine marten predation has an indirect positive effect on red squirrel populations. Pine marten predation thus reverses the well-documented outcome of resource and apparent competition between red and grey squirrels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Sheehy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK.,Department of Science, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Chris Sutherland
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Catherine O'Reilly
- Department of Science, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Xavier Lambin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
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33
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Hare D, Blossey B, Reeve HK. Value of species and the evolution of conservation ethics. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:181038. [PMID: 30564400 PMCID: PMC6281939 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.181038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The theory of evolution by natural selection can help explain why people care about other species. Building upon recent insights that morality evolves to secure fitness advantages of cooperation, we propose that conservation ethics (moral beliefs, attitudes, intuitions and norms regarding other species) could be adaptations that support cooperation between humans and non-humans. We present eco-evolutionary cost-benefit models of conservation behaviours as interspecific cooperation (altruism towards members of other species). We find that an evolutionary rule identical in structure to Hamilton's rule (which explains altruistic behaviour towards related conspecifics) can explain altruistic behaviour towards members of other species. Natural selection will favour traits for selectively altering the success of members of other species (e.g. conserving them) in ways that maximize inclusive fitness return benefits. Conservation behaviours and the ethics that evolve to reinforce them will be sensitive to local ecological and socio-cultural conditions, so will assume different contours in different places. Difficulties accurately assessing costs and benefits provided by other species, time required to adapt to ecological and socio-cultural change and barriers to collective action could explain the apparent contradiction between the widespread existence of conservation ethics and patterns of biodiversity decline globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darragh Hare
- Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Fernow Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Bernd Blossey
- Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Fernow Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - H. Kern Reeve
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Mudd Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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34
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Derham TT, Duncan RP, Johnson CN, Jones ME. Hope and caution: rewilding to mitigate the impacts of biological invasions. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 373:rstb.2018.0127. [PMID: 30348875 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Rewilding is a novel approach to ecological restoration. Trophic rewilding in particular aims to reinstate ecological functions, especially trophic interactions, through the introduction of animals. We consider the potential for trophic rewilding to address biological invasions. In this broad review, we note some of the important conceptual and ethical foundations of rewilding, including a focus on ecosystem function rather than composition, reliance on animal agency, and an appeal to an ethic of coexistence. Second, we use theory from invasion biology to highlight pathways by which rewilding might prevent or mitigate the impacts of an invasion, including increasing biotic resistance. Third, we use a series of case studies to illustrate how reintroductions can mitigate the impacts of invasions. These include reintroductions and positive management of carnivores and herbivores including European pine martens (Martes martes), Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra), dingoes (Canis dingo), Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) and tule elk (Cervus canadensis nannodes). Fourth, we consider the risk that rewilding may enable a biological invasion or aggravate its impacts. Lastly, we highlight lessons that rewilding science might take from invasion biology.This article is part of the theme issue 'Trophic rewilding: consequences for ecosystems under global change'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan T Derham
- School of Natural Sciences and Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH), University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Richard P Duncan
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Christopher N Johnson
- School of Natural Sciences and Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH), University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Menna E Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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35
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Nordberg EJ, Edwards L, Schwarzkopf L. Terrestrial invertebrates: An underestimated predator guild for small vertebrate groups. FOOD WEBS 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2018.e00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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