
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 122(11)
Опубликована: Март 10, 2025
Variability in predator–prey interactions can modulate population dynamics with impacts scalable to entire ecosystems. As notorious corallivores, crown-of-thorns sea stars (CoTS; Acanthaster spp.) have caused extensive losses of coral habitat during unexplained outbreaks across the Indo-Pacific. While predation adult CoTS may help suppress their outbreaks, it does not sufficiently explain profound boom-bust and so remains equivocal. Factors influencing early postsettlement mortality are generally more impactful on size, thus lower trophic involving juvenile better contribute outbreak prevention. We evaluated impact key predatory decapods that interact rubble nursery before they emerge as destructive corallivores. Decapod density was influenced by complexity varied regionally, inverse spatial trends Great Barrier Reef. Using eDNA gut content analysis, we confirmed seven species (~12% individuals) wild-caught decapod, collected from two reefs separated >1,000 km, predators. Owing variation predator abundance community structure, estimated potential (previous aquarium experiments) realized (eDNA results here) rates consumption were ~3-fold ~1.6-fold lower, respectively, hotspots. Through combination field molecular techniques, demonstrated appreciable cryptic predators success this nuisance species, which expands our knowledge pest management, reef conservation. Resolving at levels ecosystem be crucial understanding broader ecological outcomes.
Язык: Английский