Coexistence conservation: Reconciling threatened species and invasive predators through adaptive ecological and evolutionary approaches

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 4(7)

Published: June 6, 2022

Abstract Invasive predators are responsible for declines in many animal species across the globe. To redress these declines, conservationists have undertaken substantial work to remove invasive or mitigate their effects. Yet, challenges associated with removal of mean that most successful conservation programs been restricted small islands, enclosures (“safe havens”), refuge habitats where threatened can persist. While approaches been, and will continue be, crucial survival species, some contexts they may eventually lock a baseline native vulnerable accepted as permanently absent from wild (shifting syndrome). We propose an explicit theme biology termed “ coexistence , ” is distinguished by its pursuit innovative solutions drive enable adaptive evolution occur over long term. argue has large role play but using it adapt new environmental order requires shift mindset small, isolated, short‐term leaps deliberate, staged steps within long‐term strategy. A key principle predation treated threat, rather than predator driving focus on outcome agent. Without strategy, we face permanent loss wild. Coexistence complementary approach current practice important shifting our trajectory continued rapid predator‐driven defaunation world prey coexist.

Language: Английский

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Understanding conflict among experts working on controversial species: A case study on the Australian dingo

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 5(3)

Published: Feb. 10, 2023

Abstract Expert elicitation can be valuable for informing decision‐makers on conservation and wildlife management issues. To date, studies eliciting expert opinions have primarily focused identifying building consensus key Nonetheless, there are drawbacks of a strict focus consensus, it is important to understand emphasize dissent, too. This study adopts dissensus‐based Delphi conflict among dingo experts. Twenty‐eight experts participated in three rounds investigation. We highlight disagreement most the issues explored. In particular, we find that underpinned by what call “conflict over values” evidence.” also note broader role played distrust influencing such conflicts. Understanding recognizing different elements shaping critical improving decision‐making enable critique dominant paradigms current practices. encourage greater reflexivity open deliberation these aspects hope our will inform similar investigations other contexts.

Language: Английский

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An economic analysis of cell-fencing in semi-arid rangelands

The Rangeland Journal, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 47(2)

Published: Feb. 12, 2025

In Australia, livestock predation by dingoes (Canis familiaris) has contributed to what some producers consider a dire situation for rangeland pastoralism, driving demand cooperative regional-scale exclusion (‘cell’) fencing (i.e. pest-proof fences that encompass one or more individual properties) and landscape-scale predator control. The present case study predicted the effect of four cell-fences in state Western Australia (WA) on gross margin sheep (for meat wool) cattle pastoral enterprises. We modelled potential effects following key variables: (1) levels commodity prices, (2) five weaning rate (based records collected 1985–1995; is defined as number lambs calves are born survive weaning, expressed percentage total mated females), (3) three time required remove from within fenced area, (4) macropod (mainly kangaroo) response competitive grazers, with 3600 scenarios representing all combinations these factors. Each scenario was assessed profitability net value (NPV) over 25 years) benefit NPV compared an unfenced enterprise same type, region, prices). Finally, benefit–cost ratio (BCR) investment cell calculated each scenario. majority (67%) continuation current management no fencing) returned negative enterprises were projected make loss). However, only 37.4% cell-fenced positive NPV, meaning even cell-fence successful removal dingoes, still unlikely be profitable. Only 43.4% BCR greater than one. Weaning dingo most important factor determining return cell-fencing. Survival reproduction small livestock, particularly wool sheep, cell-fencing, whereas cell-fencing did not result profits Running coupled would maximise likelihood achieving (although may remain unprofitable overall); otherwise, affected should run this will

Language: Английский

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Activity May Not Reflect the Numbers: An Assessment of Capture Rate and Population Density of Dingoes (Canis familiaris) Within Landscape‐Scale Cell‐Fencing

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(4)

Published: April 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Most human‐carnivore conflicts arise from the impact of predation on livestock. In Australian rangelands, considerable resources are allocated to constructing exclusion fences and implementing control measures manage dingo populations for sustainable livestock enterprise. Assessing effectiveness these is crucial justifying investment. We used a replicated experimental design examine effect landscape‐scale dingo‐proof (‘cell‐fencing’) activity population density dingoes in Southern Rangelands Western Australia. monitored 22–24 months across six study sites nested within landscape about 75,000 km 2 defined ‘fence level’ as number enclosing each site. camera trap capture rate (number independent events per 100 nights) metric (including availability other potential covariates), estimated using spatially explicit mark‐resight models, tested relationship between Significant variation both metrics was observed time. Fence level prey occurrence significantly influenced activity. The annual mean estimate below two (i.e., 0.02 ; maximum value believed be compatible with small livestock) at only one site first year, but it higher all during second year monitoring. Dingo correlated sites, suggesting differences behaviour detection sites. This provides evidence that not reliable method assessing variations size dingoes. These results have implications monitoring outcomes programs

Language: Английский

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Diet of the Dingo in Subtropical Australian Forests: Are Small, Threatened Macropods at Risk?

Animals, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(14), P. 2257 - 2257

Published: July 10, 2023

Carnivores fulfil important ecological roles in natural systems yet can also jeopardise the persistence of threatened species. Understanding their diet is, therefore, essential for managing populations carnivores, as well those prey. This study was designed to better understand an Australian apex predator, dingo, and determine whether it poses a threat at-risk small macropods two floristically different geographically close reserves subtropical Australia. Based on analysis 512 scats, dingo diets comprised 34 prey taxa, which 50% were common between reserves. Our findings add support paradigm that dingoes are opportunistic generalist predators primarily abundant mammalian fauna. Their Border Ranges dominated by possum species (frequency occurrence (FOC) = 92.5%), while Richmond Range characterised high prevalence pademelon (FOC 46.9%). Medium-sized mammals most dietary items both across all seasons. The frequency medium-sized generally related availability (indexed camera trapping); however, avoidance some with indicates accessibility may be dictating choices. Other categories supplementary varied importance according seasonal changes availability. included macropods, red-legged black-striped wallaby. estimates, together earlier studies spanning 30 years, suggest is resilient observed predation. wallaby occurred only scats collected from not detected cameras so this could determined. Two locally but highly (the koala long-nosed potoroo) dingoes' diets, suggesting do at present pose these populations. highlights site-based assessments, population monitoring including data investigations.

Language: Английский

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Stuck in the mud: Persistent failure of ‘the science’ to provide reliable information on the ecological roles of Australian dingoes

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 285, P. 110234 - 110234

Published: Aug. 9, 2023

Apex predators are believed to play important roles in maintaining the structure and function of ecological systems, but actual evidence for mesopredator releases trophic cascades terrestrial systems is mixed equivocal, largely due systemic continued use weak-inference or correlative study designs investigate these hypothesised causal processes. Here we critically review experimental empirical studies examining relationships between dingoes mesopredators Australian ecosystems. We found that 83 % (30 out 36) recent lacked one more essential design elements needed assess (such as treatments controls, treatment replication, and/or randomisation), demonstrating inferential strength reliability 'the science' on this subject remains weak equivocal. Only five published last decade (N = 36), eight total since 1993 (or 11 %, N 76), were capable assessing dingoes' potential release; all consistently demonstrated do not supress initiate through release effects at a population level, independent context. Thus, there demonstrable absence dingo suppression Australia. encourage large carnivore conservation managers policymakers base their decisions strongest available science. In way, researchers will have best chance conserving valuable species into future.

Language: Английский

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Review of small cat ecology and status within India

Mammal Review, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 54(4), P. 341 - 356

Published: March 1, 2024

Abstract Small felids play pivotal roles in India's ecosystems, regulating prey populations, facilitating nutrient transfer, and safeguarding critical habitats. Despite their ecological significance, these species receive inadequate conservation attention, contrasting sharply with the focus on larger carnivores. Our review assesses status of nine native Indian small felids, aiming to consolidate data for improved draw connections global carnivore efforts. Over last 50 years, scarcity has impeded comprehensive understanding, hindering assessment crucial dynamics. We delve into factors influencing distribution abundance cats across India, identifying climate, human disturbances, presence large carnivores, topography, vegetation cover as influential determinants. Notably, trade records reveal a decline wild felid since 1997, suggesting potentially positive outcomes from enhanced law‐enforcement measures. Highlighting necessity robust data, particularly pertaining demographic parameters, prey–predator relationships, responses human‐induced habitat alterations, we advocate integrating insights strategies. stress urgency collaborative efforts supported by unwavering political commitment sustained financial backing ensure successful globally. This underscores imperative filling knowledge gaps, findings frameworks, fostering international collaborations preserve terrestrial ecosystems worldwide.

Language: Английский

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Lethal wolf control elicits change in moose habitat selection in unexpected ways

Journal of Wildlife Management, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 88(7)

Published: July 11, 2024

Abstract Moose ( Alces alces ) and woodland caribou Ranger tarandus are the 2 large prey species for wolves Canis lupus in Nearctic boreal forest North America. Caribou have declined, with widespread anthropogenic disturbance as ultimate cause wolf predation proximal cause. To conserve government of Alberta, Canada initiated a control program to reduce rates on populations contribute population recovery. Predators play an important role shaping structure function ecosystems through top‐down forces. We hypothesized that strongest factors influencing moose occurrences would reflect changes risk before after onset control. weighed evidence competing hypothesis by deploying cameras across highly industrialized landscape Alberta 3 years (2017–2020), capitalizing existing data (2011–2014). created generalized linear models representing hypotheses about response natural features control, examining support each information‐theoretic framework. Prior model containing providing security cover was best‐supported, but this scale‐dependent. After offer increased forage opportunities best‐supported. Unexpectedly, direction effect often opposite predictions, avoiding some thought provide forage. demonstrate lethal predator affects spatial distribution its primary ways we do not fully comprehend, highlighting need better understanding community dynamics following

Language: Английский

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Mesopredator release moderates trophic control of plant biomass in a Georgia salt marsh

Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Oct. 29, 2024

Abstract Predators regulate communities through top‐down control in many ecosystems. Because most studies of last less than a year and focus on only subset the community, they may miss predator effects that manifest at longer timescales or across whole food webs. In southeastern US salt marshes, short‐term small‐scale experiments indicate nektonic predators (e.g., blue crab, fish, terrapins) facilitate foundational grass, Spartina alterniflora , by consuming herbivorous snails crabs. To test both how nekton affect marsh processes when entire animal community is present, prior results scale over time, we conducted 3‐year exclusion experiment Georgia using replicated 19.6 m 2 plots. Our exclusions increased densities plant‐grazing juvenile deposit‐feeding fiddler crab and, Year 2, reduced predation tethered snails, indicating these key macroinvertebrates. However, 3, mesopredatory benthic mud crabs threefold exclusions, erasing snails' refuge. Nekton had no effect biomass, likely because observed mesopredator release suppressed grazing snail elevated crabs, whose burrowing alleviates soil stresses. Structural equation modeling supported hypotheses mesopredators invertebrate communities, with having stronger total controlling species suppress (grazers) (fiddler crabs) plant growth. These findings highlight marshes can be resilient to multiyear reductions if are present multiple pathways trophic different ways time mediate dynamics. larger longer‐term illuminate dynamics not previously understood, even well‐studied ecosystems such as marshes.

Language: Английский

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Habitat structure facilitates coexistence of native and invasive mesopredators in an Australian tropical savanna

Wildlife Research, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 50(12), P. 1058 - 1070

Published: Feb. 12, 2023

Context The introduction of the cat (Felis catus) to Australia has been a key driver decline and extinction continent’s endemic mammals. Currently, there is no clear long-term solution controlling feral populations cats at landscape scale. As such, understanding how environmental conditions habitat attributes can mediate coexistence between introduced predators native mammals improve management outcomes for threatened species. Aim We sought compare differences in use by remnant population endangered northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) understand what variables allow these two mesopredators coexist tropical savanna Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. Methods deployed grids motion-activated cameras three times per year over 3-year period, across Eucalyptus tetrodonta-dominated plateaux known be inhabited quolls. modelled spatial variation frequencies detection quolls (referred as ‘habitat use’), function biotic abiotic using generalised linear model consistent mixed-effect fluctuating variables. Key results Habitat was most frequent areas with high fire low tree basal area, whereas area E. tetrodonta (a commonly used den species), topographic ruggedness, long-unburnt savanna. Conclusions Frequent fires promote result reduction critical Implications postulate that on Peninsula occur less frequently burnt refugia, primarily top support high-biomass dominated tetrodonta. Our findings highlighted persist alongside but are dependent maintenance structurally complex habitat.

Language: Английский

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