Hollings et al 2016 Ecology.pdf (374.96 kB)
Disease-induced decline of an apex predator drives invasive dominated states and threatens biodiversity
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 05:00 authored by Hollings, TA, Menna JonesMenna Jones, Mooney, N, McCallum, HApex predators are important in protecting biodiversity through top-down influence on food webs. Their loss is linked with competitive release of invasive mesopredators and species extinctions. The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) has experienced severe declines over a 15-yr period as a novel transmissible cancer has spread across its current geographic range. We surveyed the mammalian community, using hair traps, across the spatial extent of the devil's progressive population decline. We found increased activity of alien invasive species (feral cats, black rats), and reduced small and medium-sized native prey species in response to the timing of the decline. In areas of long-term devil decline, invasive species comprised a significantly larger proportion of the community. The results provide evidence that the devil plays a keystone role in Tasmania's ecosystem with their decline linked to a shift toward an invasive state and biodiversity loss in one of Australia's most intact faunal communities.
Funding
Australian Research Council
History
Publication title
EcologyVolume
97Pagination
394-405ISSN
0012-9658Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
Ecological Soc AmerPlace of publication
1707 H St Nw, Ste 400, Washington, USA, Dc, 20006-3915Rights statement
© 2016 by the Ecological Society of AmericaRepository Status
- Open