The ecological effects of providing resource subsidies to predators

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2014, Volume and Issue: 24(1), P. 1 - 11

Published: Oct. 3, 2014

Abstract Aim Predators often have important roles in structuring ecosystems via their effects on each other and prey populations. However, these may be altered the presence of anthropogenic food resources, fuelling debate about whether availability such resources could alter ecological role predators. Here, we review extent to which human‐provided foods are utilised by terrestrial mammalian predators (> 1 kg) across globe. We also assess a direct impact ecology behaviour an indirect co‐occurring species. Location Global. Methods Data were derived from searches published literature. To summarise data grouped studies based resource subsidies then compared types accessing grouping species taxonomically into following categories: (1) domesticated species, (2) mesopredators (3) top Results Human‐provided reported 36 predator 34 different countries. In found that: abundance increased, dietary preferences include subsidy, life‐history parameters as survival, reproduction sociality shifted benefit or detriment predator, (4) changed home ranges, activity movements. some instances, modifications indirectly affected increased predation competition. Main conclusions The results behavioural population‐induced changes trophic cascades. conclude that there is urgent need reduce access minimise human–wildlife conflicts preserve integrity ecosystem functioning human‐influenced landscapes world‐wide.

Language: Английский

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Linking anthropogenic resources to wildlife–pathogen dynamics: a review and meta‐analysis

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2015, Volume and Issue: 18(5), P. 483 - 495

Published: March 21, 2015

Abstract Urbanisation and agriculture cause declines for many wildlife, but some species benefit from novel resources, especially food, provided in human‐dominated habitats. Resulting shifts wildlife ecology can alter infectious disease dynamics create opportunities cross‐species transmission, yet predicting host–pathogen responses to resource provisioning is challenging. Factors enhancing such as increased aggregation, could be offset by better host immunity due improved nutrition. Here, we conduct a review meta‐analysis show that food results highly heterogeneous infection outcomes depend on pathogen type anthropogenic source. We also find empirical support behavioural immune mechanisms through which human‐provided resources exposure tolerance pathogens. A of recent theoretical models shows changes contact rates produce strong non‐linear invasion prevalence. By integrating our back into framework, amplifies under aggregation tolerance, reduces transmission if provisioned decreases dietary parasites. These carry implications management highlight areas future work, how might affect virulence evolution.

Language: Английский

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Paws without claws? Ecological effects of large carnivores in anthropogenic landscapes

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2016, Volume and Issue: 283(1841), P. 20161625 - 20161625

Published: Oct. 26, 2016

Large carnivores are frequently presented as saviours of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning through their creation trophic cascades, an idea largely based on studies coming primarily out relatively natural landscapes. However, in large parts the world, particularly Europe, live returning to strongly human-modified ecosystems. At present, we lack a coherent framework predict effects these anthropogenic We review how human actions influence ecological roles by affecting density or behaviour those mesopredators prey species. argue that potential for density-mediated cascades landscapes is limited unproductive areas where even low carnivore numbers may impact densities landscape allowed reach ecologically functional densities. The behaviourally mediated be larger more widespread, because affect behaviour. conclude predator–prey interactions will highly context-dependent often attenuate carnivores. highlight knowledge gaps outline new research avenue study role

Language: Английский

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Wildlife health and supplemental feeding: A review and management recommendations

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2016, Volume and Issue: 204, P. 163 - 174

Published: Nov. 12, 2016

Language: Английский

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How are garbage dumps impacting vertebrate demography, health, and conservation?

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 12, P. 9 - 20

Published: Aug. 22, 2017

Organic waste can be considered a food subsidy which represents an important source of energy for different species that exploit it. However, it could produce contrasting impacts, both positive and negative. We reviewed terrestrial vertebrates (birds, mammals, reptiles amphibians) rubbish dumps, the impacts produces on them. analysed 159 articles including 98 are present in dumps. Studies come from all over world (including Antarctica), but mainly Europe, North America Africa. Impacts reported were manly (72.6%) around quarter showed negative impacts. Rubbish dumps provide resources may improve body condition, enhance reproductive performance abundance, survival rate, alter movements, they sustenance some endangered species. these places increase risk pathogen infections poisoning, responsible spread introduced-invasive favour conflicts between humans animals use Moreover, take advantage sites others do not Worldwide production makes this novel ecosystem shaping ecological communities. Therefore, spatial temporal effects wildlife should evaluated more deeply at worldwide scale considering current differences developing to developed countries.

Language: Английский

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Are white storks addicted to junk food? Impacts of landfill use on the movement and behaviour of resident white storks (Ciconia ciconia) from a partially migratory population

Movement Ecology, Journal Year: 2016, Volume and Issue: 4(1)

Published: March 4, 2016

The migratory patterns of animals are changing in response to global environmental change with many species forming resident populations areas where they were once migratory. white stork (Ciconia ciconia) was wholly Europe but recently guaranteed, year-round food from landfill sites has facilitated the establishment Iberia. In this study 17 storks fitted GPS/GSM data loggers (including accelerometer) and tracked for 9.1 ± 3.7 months quantify extent consistency attendance by individuals during non-breeding breeding seasons assess influence use on daily distances travelled, percentage GPS fixes spent foraging non-landfill ranges. Resident used more (20.1 % 2.3 fixes) than (14.9 2.2). Landfill declined increasing distance between nest both seasons. During a large occurred throughout day (27 3.0 majority tagged storks. This provides first confirmation not influenced site. Storks travelled up 48.2 km visit landfills maximum 28.1 breeding, notably further previous estimates. nesting close had smaller ranges habitat indicating higher reliance landfill. around long trips made specifically continuous availability resources is influencing their home movement behaviour. White rely especially season when other scarcer artificial supplementation probably populations. closure landfills, as required EU Directives, will likely cause dramatic impacts

Language: Английский

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Impact of Land Use Changes and Habitat Fragmentation on the Eco-epidemiology of Tick-Borne Diseases

Journal of Medical Entomology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 58(4), P. 1546 - 1564

Published: Oct. 23, 2020

Abstract The incidence of tick-borne diseases has increased in recent decades and accounts for the majority vector-borne disease cases temperate areas Europe, North America, Asia. This emergence been attributed to multiple interactive drivers including changes climate, land use, abundance key hosts, people’s behaviors affecting probability human exposure infected ticks. In this forum paper, we focus on how use have shaped eco-epidemiology Ixodes scapularis-borne pathogens, particular Lyme spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto eastern United States. We as a model system, addressing other systems needed illustrate patterns or processes. first examine interacts with abiotic conditions (microclimate) biotic factors (e.g., host community composition) influence enzootic hazard, measured density host-seeking I. scapularis nymphs B. s.s. then review evidence specific landscape configuration, forest fragmentation, influences hazard risk across spatial scales urbanization levels. emphasize need dynamic understanding landscapes based tick pathogen movement habitat relation resource provisioning. propose coupled natural-human framework that interactions, nonlinearities feedbacks system conclude call standardization methodology terminology help integrate studies conducted at scales.

Language: Английский

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Future Directions in Conservation Research on Petrels and Shearwaters

Frontiers in Marine Science, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 6

Published: March 18, 2019

Shearwaters and petrels (hereafter petrels) are highly adapted seabirds that occur across all the world's oceans. Petrels a threatened seabird group comprising 120 species. They have bet-hedging life histories typified by extended chick rearing periods, low fecundity, high adult survival, strong philopatry, monogamy long-term mate fidelity thus vulnerable to change. Anthropogenic alterations on land at sea led poor conservation status of many with 49 (41%) species based IUCN criteria 61 (51%) suffering population declines. Some well-studied, even being used as bioindicators ocean health, yet for others there major knowledge gaps regarding their breeding grounds, migratory areas or other key aspects biology ecology. We assembled 38 petrel researchers summarize information most important threats according Red List identify must be filled improve management petrels. highlight research advances main (invasive bycatch, overfishing, light pollution, climate change, pollution). propose an ambitious goal reverse least some these six threats, through active efforts such restoring island habitats (e.g. invasive removal, control prevention), improving policies regulations global regional levels, engaging local communities in efforts. The clear message emerges from this review is continued need monitoring inform motivate effective level.

Language: Английский

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Human disturbance increases trophic niche overlap in terrestrial carnivore communities

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 117(43), P. 26842 - 26848

Published: Oct. 12, 2020

Significance Niche theory posits that species must limit overlap in the use of space, time, or resources to minimize competition. However, human disturbances are rapidly altering ecosystems with uncertain consequences for niche partitioning. Dietary partitioning is primary way many interspecific competition, and it particularly important carnivores because diet can trigger interference competition killing. We used stable isotope analyses examine carnivore diets across Great Lakes region United States show inhabiting disturbed consume more foods, leading significant increases both breadth dietary among competing species. These results suggest human-dominated landscapes experience conflict due consumption food subsidies.

Language: Английский

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Demographic effects of sanitary policies on European vulture population dynamics: A retrospective modeling approach

Ecological Applications, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 35(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Abstract The prediction of population responses to environmental changes, including the effects different management scenarios, is a useful tool and necessary contributor improving conservation decisions. Empirical datasets based on long‐term monitoring studies are essential assess robustness retrospective modeling predictions biodiversity. These allow checks performance projections enable improvements be made future models, errors detected. Here, we our earlier model impact vulture food shortages caused by sanitary regulations dynamics Spanish vultures during past decade (2009–2019). This forecasts trends three species (griffon, Egyptian, bearded vultures) in Spain (home 90% European population) under various shortage scenarios. We show that it underestimated griffon numbers overestimated Egyptian vultures. suggested most plausible scenario involved an approximate 50% reduction livestock carcass availability ecosystem compared with previous situation without removal. However, observed annual growth for period 2009–2019 (7.8% vulture, 2.4% 3.5% vulture) showed had little dynamics. After assessing model, developed new updated demographic parameters foraging movements hypothetical scenarios 2019–2029. increases about 3.6% 3.7% 1.1% Griffon vulture. Our findings suggest due implementation policies resulted only moderate growth, probably thanks supplementary feeding network which provided alternative food. Also important was sources (intensive farms, landfills) were used more regularly than expected. discuss computational approach its consequences improve measures these threatened species, provide services.

Language: Английский

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