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Endemic predators, invasive prey and native diversity
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 04:03 authored by Wanger, TC, Wielgoss, AC, Motzke, I, Clough, Y, Barry BrookBarry Brook, Sodhi, NS, Tscharntke, TInteractions between native diversity and invasive species can be more complex than is currently understood. Invasive ant species often substantially reduce diversity in the native ants diversity that act as natural control agents for pest insects. In Indonesia (on the island of Sulawesi), the third largest cacao producer worldwide, we show that a predatory endemic toad (Ingerophrynus celebensis) controls invasive ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) abundance, and positively affects native ant diversity. We call this the invasive-naivety effect (an opposite of enemy release), whereby alien species may not harbour anti-predatory defences against a novel native predator. A positive effect of the toads on native ants may facilitate their predation on insect vectors of cacao diseases. Hence, toads may increase crop yield, but further research is needed on this aspect. Ironically, amphibians are globally the most threatened vertebrate class and are strongly impacted by the conversion of rainforest to cacao plantations in Sulawesi. It is, therefore, crucial to manage cacao plantations to maintain these endemic toads, as they may provide critical ecosystem services, such as invasion resistance and preservation of native insect diversity.
History
Publication title
Proceedings of the Royal Society of London: Biological SciencesVolume
278Issue
1706Pagination
690-694ISSN
0962-8452Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
Royal Soc LondonPlace of publication
6 Carlton House Terrace, London, England, Sw1Y 5AgRights statement
This journal is copyright 2010 The Royal SocietyRepository Status
- Restricted