El efecto liberador de competidores aplicado a las especies de carnívoros: Cómo puede aumentar el número de zorros cuando son perseguidos

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Authors

  • J. Lozano
  • J. G. Casanovas
  • E. Virgós
  • J. M. Zorrilla

The objective of our study was to numerically simulate the population dynamics of a hypothetical community of three species of small to medium-sized carnivores subjected to non-selective control within the context of the competitor release effect (CRE). We applied the CRE to three carnivore species, linking interspecific competition with predator control efforts. We predicted the population response of European badger, the red fox and the pine marten to this wildlife management tool by means of numerical simulations. The theoretical responses differed depending on the intrinsic rate of growth (r), although modulated by the competition coefficients. The red fox, showing the highest r value, can increase its populations despite predator control efforts if control intensity is moderate. Populations of the other two species, however, decreased with control efforts, even reaching extinction. Three additional theoretical predictions were obtained. The conclusions from the simulations were: 1) predator control can play a role in altering the carnivore communities; 2) red fox numbers can increase due to control; and 3) predator control programs should evaluate the potential of unintended effects on ecosystems.

Translated title of the contributionThe competitor release effect applied to carnivore species: How red foxes can increase in numbers when persecuted
Original languageSpanish
JournalAnimal Biodiversity and Conservation
Volume36
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)37-46
Number of pages10
ISSN1578-665X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.06.2013
Externally publishedYes

    Research areas

  • Biology - predator control, wildlife management, competition, generalist predator, population dynamics, Population growth

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