Where lynx prevail, foxes will fail – limitation of a mesopredator in Eurasia

Abstract

AbstractAimClimate change and loss of apex predators can affect ecosystem structure and function through modified limitation processes. We investigated, on a continental scale, whether mesopredator abundance is limited from the top down by large predators, as predicted by the mesopredator release hypothesis, or by bottom‐up factors. The mesopredator in focus is the red fox Vulpes vulpes, a key predator in many ecosystems due to its strong effects on prey abundance.LocationEurope and northern Asia.MethodsData on red fox density were compiled from published papers and reports. For each site, we collated presence–absence data on large carnivores (Lynx lynx, Canis lupus, Canis aureus) and remote sensing data for factors potentially related to bottom‐up limitation (winter severity, summer temperature, human density, primary productivity, tree cover). The data were analysed through structural equation modelling.ResultsThe presence of lynx had a direct negative effect on red foxes, suppressing fox abundance. Also winter severity had a negative effect on red fox abundance, and in Eurasia as a whole this effect was partially mediated through lynx. Within the lynx distribution range, winter severity was the only bottom‐up factor significantly affecting red fox abundance. Outside the lynx distribution range, primary productivity, summer temperature and human density had a positive effect on red fox abundance.Main conclusionsOur results show that apex predators can limit mesopredator abundance on a continental scale, thus supporting the mesopredator release hypothesis. Winter severity also affected red fox abundance, partially due to an interaction between lynx and winter conditions. On the continental scale a complex network of processes operates with varying effects depending on mediation processes. Our results imply that apex predators can have an important effect on ecosystem structure by limiting mesopredator abundance, and we suggest that apex predators may dampen increases in mesopredator abundance driven by global warming.