Citation
Ritchie, EG and Johnson, CN, Predator interactions, mesopredator release and biodiversity conservation, Ecology Letters, 12, (9) pp. 982-998. ISSN 1461-023X (2009) [Refereed Article]
 | PDF Restricted - Request a copy 187Kb |
Copyright Statement
The definitive published version is available online at: http://www.interscience.wiley.com
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1461-0248.2009.01347.x
DOI: doi:10.1111/j.1461-0248.2009.01347.x
Abstract
There is growing recognition of the important roles played by predators in regulating
ecosystems and sustaining biodiversity. Much attention has focused on the consequences
of predator-regulation of herbivore populations, and associated trophic cascades.
However apex predators may also control smaller ÔmesopredatorsÕ through intraguild
interactions. Removal of apex predators can result in changes to intraguild interactions
and outbreaks of mesopredators (Ômesopredator releaseÕ), leading in turn to increased
predation on smaller prey. Here we provide a review and synthesis of studies of predator
interactions, mesopredator release and their impacts on biodiversity. Mesopredator
suppression by apex predators is widespread geographically and taxonomically. Apex
predators suppress mesopredators both by killing them, or instilling fear, which
motivates changes in behaviour and habitat use that limit mesopredator distribution and
abundance. Changes in the abundance of apex predators may have disproportionate (up
to fourfold) effects on mesopredator abundance. Outcomes of interactions between
predators may however vary with resource availability, habitat complexity and the
complexity of predator communities. There is potential for the restoration of apex
predators to have benefits for biodiversity conservation through moderation of the
impacts of mesopredators on their prey, but this requires a whole-ecosystem view to
avoid unforeseen negative effects.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Research Division: | Biological Sciences |
| Research Group: | Ecology |
| Research Field: | Community Ecology |
| Objective Division: | Environment |
| Objective Group: | Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity |
| Objective Field: | Sparseland, Permanent Grassland and Arid Zone Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity |
| Creator: | Johnson, CN (Professor Christopher Johnson) |
| ID Code: | 72195 |
| Year Published: | 2009 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 102 |
| Deposited By: | Zoology |
| Deposited On: | 2011-08-23 |
| Last Modified: | 2011-11-03 |
| Downloads: | 25 View Download Statistics |
Repository Staff Only: item control page