Impacts of mussel invasions on the prey preference of two native predators

Abstract

Alien prey alter food choices available to native predators; and, when these prey are not selected for consumption, their invasion may be facilitated. We show that even predators with a broad diet may actively avoid alien prey and selectively feed on native species, despite alien prey being more abundant and easier to consume. This lack of predation pressure combined with the removal of competing native prey offers 2 sources of facilitation of prey invasions.