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Pearson DE, Clark TJ, Hahn PG. Evaluating unintended consequences of intentional species introductions and eradications for improved conservation management. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2022; 36:e13734. [PMID: 33734489 PMCID: PMC9291768 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Increasingly intensive strategies to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem function are being deployed in response to global anthropogenic threats, including intentionally introducing and eradicating species via assisted migration, rewilding, biological control, invasive species eradications, and gene drives. These actions are highly contentious because of their potential for unintended consequences. We conducted a global literature review of these conservation actions to quantify how often unintended outcomes occur and to elucidate their underlying causes. To evaluate conservation outcomes, we developed a community assessment framework for systematically mapping the range of possible interaction types for 111 case studies. Applying this tool, we quantified the number of interaction types considered in each study and documented the nature and strength of intended and unintended outcomes. Intended outcomes were reported in 51% of cases, a combination of intended outcomes and unintended outcomes in 26%, and strictly unintended outcomes in 10%. Hence, unintended outcomes were reported in 36% of all cases evaluated. In evaluating overall conservations outcomes (weighing intended vs. unintended effects), some unintended effects were fairly innocuous relative to the conservation objective, whereas others resulted in serious unintended consequences in recipient communities. Studies that assessed a greater number of community interactions with the target species reported unintended outcomes more often, suggesting that unintended consequences may be underreported due to insufficient vetting. Most reported unintended outcomes arose from direct effects (68%) or simple density-mediated or indirect effects (25%) linked to the target species. Only a few documented cases arose from more complex interaction pathways (7%). Therefore, most unintended outcomes involved simple interactions that could be predicted and mitigated through more formal vetting. Our community assessment framework provides a tool for screening future conservation actions by mapping the recipient community interaction web to identify and mitigate unintended outcomes from intentional species introductions and eradications for conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean E. Pearson
- Rocky Mountain Research StationU.S. Department of Agriculture Forest ServiceMissoulaMontanaUSA
- Division of Biological SciencesUniversity of MontanaMissoulaMontanaUSA
| | - Tyler J. Clark
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and ConservationUniversity of MontanaMissoulaMontanaUSA
| | - Philip G. Hahn
- Department of Entomology and NematologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
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Vergara OE, Nelson N, Hartley S. Effects of mammal exclusion on invertebrate communities in New Zealand. AUSTRAL ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia E. Vergara
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington New Zealand
| | - Nicola Nelson
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington New Zealand
| | - Stephen Hartley
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington New Zealand
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Introduced species and extreme weather as key drivers of reproductive output in three sympatric albatrosses. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8199. [PMID: 32424226 PMCID: PMC7235215 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64662-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive species present a major conservation threat globally and nowhere are their affects more pronounced than in island ecosystems. Determining how native island populations respond demographically to invasive species can provide information to mitigate the negative effects of invasive species. Using 20 years of mark-recapture data from three sympatric species of albatrosses (black-browed Thalassarche melanophris, grey-headed T. chrysostoma, and light-mantled albatrosses Phoebetria palpebrata), we quantified the influence of invasive European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus and extreme weather patterns on breeding probability and success. Temporal variability in rabbit density explained 33–76% of the variability in breeding probability for all three species, with severe decreases in breeding probability observed after a lag period following highest rabbit numbers. For black-browed albatrosses, the combination of extreme rainfall and high rabbit density explained 33% of total trait variability and dramatically reduced breeding success. We showed that invasive rabbits and extreme weather events reduce reproductive output in albatrosses and that eliminating rabbits had a positive effect on albatross reproduction. This illustrates how active animal management at a local breeding site can result in positive population outcomes even for wide ranging animals like albatrosses where influencing vital rates during their at-sea migrations is more challenging.
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Russell JC, Kaiser-Bunbury CN. Consequences of Multispecies Introductions on Island Ecosystems. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND SYSTEMATICS 2019. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-110218-024942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The rate of non-native species introductions continues to increase, with directionality from continents to islands. It is no longer single species but entire networks of coevolved and newly interacting continental species that are establishing on islands. The consequences of multispecies introductions on the population dynamics and interactions of native and introduced species will depend on the form of trophic limitation on island ecosystems. Freed from biotic constraints in their native range, species introduced to islands no longer experience top-down limitation, instead becoming limited by and disrupting bottom-up processes that dominate on resource-limited islands. This framing of the ecological and evolutionary relationships among introduced species with one another and their ecosystem has important consequences for conservation. Whereas on continents the focus of conservation is on restoring native apex species and top-down limitation, on islands the focus must instead be on removing introduced animal and plant species to restore bottom-up limitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C. Russell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Christopher N. Kaiser-Bunbury
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
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Russell JC, Abrahão CR, Silva JC, Dias RA. Management of cats and rodents on inhabited islands: An overview and case study of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. Perspect Ecol Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pecon.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Helmstedt KJ, Shaw JD, Bode M, Terauds A, Springer K, Robinson SA, Possingham HP. Prioritizing eradication actions on islands: it's not all or nothing. J Appl Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kate J. Helmstedt
- School of Mathematics and Physics; University of Queensland; St Lucia Qld 4072 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; School of Biological Sciences; University of Queensland; St Lucia Qld 4072 Australia
| | - Justine D. Shaw
- Antarctic Conservation and Management; Department of the Environment; Australian Antarctic Division; Kingston Tas. 7050 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; School of Biological Sciences; University of Queensland; St Lucia Qld 4072 Australia
| | - Michael Bode
- School of Botany; University of Melbourne; Parkville Vic. 3010 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville Qld 4812 Australia
| | - Aleks Terauds
- Antarctic Conservation and Management; Department of the Environment; Australian Antarctic Division; Kingston Tas. 7050 Australia
| | - Keith Springer
- Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service; PO Box 126 Moonah Tas. 7009 Australia
| | - Susan A. Robinson
- Invasive Species Branch; Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment; Biosecurity Tasmania; Newtown Tas. 7008 Australia
| | - Hugh P. Possingham
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; School of Biological Sciences; University of Queensland; St Lucia Qld 4072 Australia
- Department of Life Sciences; Imperial College London; Silwood Park Ascot Berkshire SL5 7PY UK
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Lazenby BT, Mooney NJ, Dickman CR. Detecting species interactions using remote cameras: effects on small mammals of predators, conspecifics, and climate. Ecosphere 2015. [DOI: 10.1890/es14-00522.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Abstract
Eradications of invasive species from over 1000 small islands around the world have created conservation arks, but to truly address the threat of invasive species to islands, eradications must be scaled by orders of magnitude. New Zealand has eradicated invasive predators from 10% of its offshore island area and now proposes a vision to eliminate them from the entire country. We review current knowledge of invasive predator ecology and control technologies in New Zealand and the biological research, technological advances, social capacity and enabling policy required. We discuss the economic costs and benefits and conclude with a 50-year strategy for a predator-free New Zealand that is shown to be ecologically obtainable, socially desirable, and economically viable. The proposal includes invasive predator eradication from the two largest offshore islands, mammal-free mainland peninsulas, very large ecosanctuaries, plus thousands of small projects that will together merge eradication and control concepts on landscape scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Russell
- James Russell ( ) is a senior lecturer in conservation biology at the University of Auckland, in Auckland, New Zealand, whose research focuses on island conservation and rat eradication. John Innes is a wildlife ecologist at Landcare Research, in Hamilton, New Zealand, studying pest control in urban and mainland environments, and the development of ecosanctuaries. Pike Brown is a senior economist and capability leader of the Economics and Land Use Modelling group at Landcare Research. Andrea Byrom is a wildlife ecologist and research portfolio leader for managing invasive weeds, pests, and diseases at Landcare Research in Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - John G Innes
- James Russell ( ) is a senior lecturer in conservation biology at the University of Auckland, in Auckland, New Zealand, whose research focuses on island conservation and rat eradication. John Innes is a wildlife ecologist at Landcare Research, in Hamilton, New Zealand, studying pest control in urban and mainland environments, and the development of ecosanctuaries. Pike Brown is a senior economist and capability leader of the Economics and Land Use Modelling group at Landcare Research. Andrea Byrom is a wildlife ecologist and research portfolio leader for managing invasive weeds, pests, and diseases at Landcare Research in Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Philip H Brown
- James Russell ( ) is a senior lecturer in conservation biology at the University of Auckland, in Auckland, New Zealand, whose research focuses on island conservation and rat eradication. John Innes is a wildlife ecologist at Landcare Research, in Hamilton, New Zealand, studying pest control in urban and mainland environments, and the development of ecosanctuaries. Pike Brown is a senior economist and capability leader of the Economics and Land Use Modelling group at Landcare Research. Andrea Byrom is a wildlife ecologist and research portfolio leader for managing invasive weeds, pests, and diseases at Landcare Research in Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Andrea E Byrom
- James Russell ( ) is a senior lecturer in conservation biology at the University of Auckland, in Auckland, New Zealand, whose research focuses on island conservation and rat eradication. John Innes is a wildlife ecologist at Landcare Research, in Hamilton, New Zealand, studying pest control in urban and mainland environments, and the development of ecosanctuaries. Pike Brown is a senior economist and capability leader of the Economics and Land Use Modelling group at Landcare Research. Andrea Byrom is a wildlife ecologist and research portfolio leader for managing invasive weeds, pests, and diseases at Landcare Research in Lincoln, New Zealand
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Using long-term population trends of an invasive herbivore to quantify the impact of management actions in the sub-Antarctic. Polar Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-014-1485-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Robinson SA, Copson GR. Eradication of cats (Felis catus) from subantarctic Macquarie Island. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Nogales M, Vidal E, Medina FM, Bonnaud E, Tershy BR, Campbell KJ, Zavaleta ES. Feral Cats and Biodiversity Conservation: The Urgent Prioritization of Island Management. Bioscience 2013. [DOI: 10.1525/bio.2013.63.10.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Melbourne-Thomas J, Wotherspoon S, Raymond B, Constable A. Comprehensive evaluation of model uncertainty in qualitative network analyses. ECOL MONOGR 2012. [DOI: 10.1890/12-0207.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Bonnaud
- Ecologie, Systématique & Evolution; Univ. Paris Sud; Orsay; France
| | - F. Courchamp
- Ecologie, Systématique & Evolution; Univ. Paris Sud; Orsay; France
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Oppel S, Beaven BM, Bolton M, Vickery J, Bodey TW. Eradication of invasive mammals on islands inhabited by humans and domestic animals. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2011; 25:232-240. [PMID: 21054528 DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2010.01601.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Non-native invasive mammal species have caused major ecological change on many islands. To conserve native species diversity, invasive mammals have been eradicated from several islands not inhabited by humans. We reviewed the challenges associated with campaigns to eradicate invasive mammals from islands inhabited by humans and domestic animals. On these islands, detailed analyses of the social, cultural, and economic costs and benefits of eradication are required to increase the probability of local communities supporting the eradication campaign. The ecological benefits of eradication (e.g., improvement of endemic species' probability of survival) are difficult to trade-off against social and economic costs due to the lack of a common currency. Local communities may oppose an eradication campaign because of perceived health hazards, inconvenience, financial burdens, religious beliefs, or other cultural reasons. Besides these social challenges, the presence of humans and domestic animals also complicates eradication and biosecurity procedures (measures taken to reduce the probability of unwanted organisms colonizing an island to near zero). For example, houses, garbage-disposal areas, and livestock-feeding areas can provide refuges for certain mammals and therefore can decrease the probability of a successful eradication. Transport of humans and goods to an island increases the probability of inadvertent reintroduction of invasive mammals, and the establishment of permanent quarantine measures is required to minimize the probability of unwanted recolonization after eradication. We recommend a close collaboration between island communities, managers, and social scientists from the inception of an eradication campaign to increase the probability of achieving and maintaining an island permanently free of invasive mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Oppel
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, UK
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Raymond B, McInnes J, Dambacher JM, Way S, Bergstrom DM. Qualitative modelling of invasive species eradication on subantarctic Macquarie Island. J Appl Ecol 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2010.01916.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Bergstrom DM, Lucieer A, Kiefer K, Wasley J, Belbin L, Pedersen TK, Chown SL. Management implications of the Macquarie Island trophic cascade revisited: a reply to Dowdinget��al.(2009). J Appl Ecol 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2009.01708.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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