Top-predator control-induced trophic cascades: an alternative hypothesis to the conclusion of Colman et al
Article
Article Title | Top-predator control-induced trophic cascades: an alternative hypothesis to the conclusion of Colman et al |
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ERA Journal ID | 2111 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | |
Author | Allen, Benjamin L. |
Journal Title | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences |
Journal Citation | 282 (1799), pp. 1-3 |
Number of Pages | 3 |
Year | 2015 |
Publisher | Royal Society Publishing |
Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
ISSN | 0962-8452 |
1471-2954 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2014.1251 |
Web Address (URL) | http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/282/1799/20141251.abstract |
Abstract | Colman et al. (2014 Proc. R. Soc. B 281, 20133094. (doi:10.1098/rspb.2013.3094)) Recently argued that observed positive relationships between dingoes and small mammals were a result of top-down processes whereby lethal dingo control reduced dingoes and increased mesopredators and herbivores, which then suppressed small mammals. Here, I show that the prerequisite negative effects of dingo control on dingoes were not shown, and that the same positive relationships observed may simply represent well-known Bottom-up processes whereby more generalist predators are found in places with more of their preferred prey. Identification of top-predator control-induced trophic cascades first requires demonstration of some actual effect of control on predators, typically possible only through manipulative experiments with the ability to identify cause and effect. |
Keywords | Canis lupus dingo; feral cat; mesopredator release; red fox; trophic cascade |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 410499. Environmental management not elsewhere classified |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | University of Queensland |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q3803/top-predator-control-induced-trophic-cascades-an-alternative-hypothesis-to-the-conclusion-of-colman-et-al
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