Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Predation on Animal Prey Abundance: Evidence from UK Vertebrates

Alison R. Holt,Zoe G. Davies,Claire Tyler,Samantha Staddon,Craig R. McClain

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0002400

Alison R. Holt, Zoe G. Davies + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0002400

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Abstract

BackgroundControlling vertebrate predators is one of the most widespread forms of wildlife management and it continues to cause conflict between stakeholders worldwide. It is important for managers and policy-makers to make decisions on this issue that are based on the best available scientific evidence. Therefore, it is first important to understand if there is indeed an impact of vertebrate predators on prey, and then to quantify this impact.Methodology/Principal FindingsUsing the UK as a case study, we use a meta-analytical approach to review the available evidence to assess the effect of vertebrate predation on animal prey abundance. We find a significant effect of predators on prey abundance across our studies. On average, there is a 1.6 fold increase in prey abundance in the absence of predation. However, we show significant heterogeneity in effect sizes, and discuss how the method of predator control, whether the predator is native or non-native, and aspects of study design, may be potential causes.Conclusions/SignificanceOur results allow some cautious policy recommendations to be made regarding the management of predator and prey populations. Meta-analysis is an important tool for understanding general patterns in the effect of predators on prey abundance across studies. Such an approach is especially valuable where management decisions need to be made in the absence of site-specific information.

Highlights

Controlling vertebrate predators is one of the oldest and most widespread forms of wildlife management [1]
The largest significant response ratio of predator absence concerned the effect of American mink (Mustela vison) predation on the fledging of common terns (Sterna hirundo) in western Scotland
There was no significant effect of bird predation on prey abundance and this led to a highly significant heterogeneity in effect sizes between groups (QM = 10.08, df = 2, p = 0.007)

Summary

Introduction

Controlling vertebrate predators is one of the oldest and most widespread forms of wildlife management [1]. Predatorlivestock conflicts arise where predator control is used to minimise economic losses. An example of such antagonism is the predation of sheep, goats and cattle by coyotes in the Western USA [1,5]. Controlling vertebrate predators is one of the most widespread forms of wildlife management and it continues to cause conflict between stakeholders worldwide. It is important for managers and policy-makers to make decisions on this issue that are based on the best available scientific evidence. It is first important to understand if there is an impact of vertebrate predators on prey, and to quantify this impact

Methods

Results

Conclusion