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2015-12-01

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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/105723

Population control of an overabundant species achieved through consecutive anthropogenic perturbations

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https://doi.org/10.1890/14-2090.1

Abstract

The control of overabundant vertebrates is often problematic. Much work has focused on population-level responses and overabundance due to anthropogenic subsidies. However, far less work has been directed at investigating responses following the removal of subsidies. We investigate the consequences of two consecutive perturbations-closure of a landfill and an inadvertent poisoning event- on the trophic ecology (13C, 15N and 34S), survival, and population size of an overabundant generalist seabird species, the yellow-legged gull. We expected that the landfill closure would cause a strong dietary shift and the inadvertent poisoning a decrease in gull population size. As a long-lived species, we also anticipated adult survival to be buffered against the decrease in food availability but not against the inadvertent poisoning event. Stable isotope analysis confirmed the dietary shift towards marine resources after the disappearance of the landfill. Although the survival model was inconclusive, it did suggest that the perturbations had a negative effect on survival, which was followed by a recovery back to average values. Food limitation likely triggered dispersal to other populations, while poisoning may have increased mortality; these two processes were likely responsible for the large fall in population size that occurred after the two consecutive perturbations. Life-history theory suggests that perturbations may encourage species to halt existing breeding investment in order to ensure future survival. However, under strong perturbation pulses the resilience threshold might be surpassed and changes in population density can arise. Consecutive perturbations may effectively manage overabundant species.

Subject

Biologia de poblacions, Abastament d'aliments, Poblacions animals

Subject (English)

Population biology, Food supply, Animal populations

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Articles publicats en revistes (Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals)
Articles publicats en revistes (Fonaments Clínics)

Citation

PAYO PAYO, Ana, et al. Population control of an overabundant species achieved through consecutive anthropogenic perturbations. Ecological Applications. 2015. Vol. 25, num. 8, pags. 2228-2239. ISSN 1051-0761. [consulted: 19 of August of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/105723

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