Predator Populations Research Articles

Dynamical bifurcation of a stochastic Holling-II predator–prey model with infinite distributed delays

This paper serves as a continuation and expansion of the previous achievement by B. Han and D. Jiang in their article (Han and Jiang, 2024). Our initial step involves transforming the more complex stochastic Holling-II model featuring a stronger kernel into a simplified yet degenerate stochastic system composed of five interconnected equations. For the deterministic component of this model, we delve into an extensive examination of the local asymptotic stability of its positive equilibrium state. Subsequently, for the stochastic model, we derive critical conditions that determine the thresholds for exponential extinction and persistence of both predator and prey populations. Importantly, our findings not only encompass scenarios where there are no stochastic disturbances but also shed light on how environmental noise impacts the population dynamics within the predator–prey system. Through the exploration of the homologous Fokker–Planck equations, we present approximate representations characterizing the probability density function of the stochastic predator–prey model. To substantiate these theoretical advancements, several illustrative examples are provided, offering numerical elucidations of our proposed results and emphasizing the profound effects of stochastic noises and some important parameters on the behaviors of the stochastic model.

Top predator status and trends: ecological implications, monitoring and mitigation strategies to promote ecosystem-based management

The conservation and management of marine ecosystems hinge on a comprehensive understanding of the status and trends of top predators. This review delves into the ecological significance of marine top predators, examining their roles in maintaining ecosystem stability and functioning through an integrated analysis of current scientific literature. We first assess the efficacy of various monitoring methods, ranging from traditional field observations to cutting-edge technologies like satellite tracking and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis and evaluating their strengths and limitations in terms of accuracy, spatial coverage, and cost-effectiveness, providing resource managers with essential insights for informed decision-making. Then, by synthesizing data from diverse marine ecosystems, this study offers a comprehensive overview of the trends affecting top predator populations worldwide. We explore the multifaceted impacts of human activities, climate change, and habitat degradation on the abundance and distribution of these key species. In doing so, we shed light on the broader implications of declining top predator populations, such as trophic cascades and altered community structures. Following a thorough assessment of successful strategies for reversing the decline of top predators, a compilation of recommendations is presented, encompassing effective governance interventions. A crucial aspect of effective ecosystem-based management is the implementation of robust monitoring strategies. Mitigation measures are imperative to reverse the adverse impacts on marine top predators. We present a comprehensive array of mitigation options based on successful case studies. These include the establishment of marine protected areas, the enforcement of fisheries regulations, and the promotion of sustainable fishing practices. We deepen the synergies between these strategies and their potential to mitigate human-induced stressors on top predator populations to safeguard their pivotal role in maintaining marine ecosystem structure and function. By examining marine top predators’ ecological significance, analyzing population trends, discussing monitoring techniques, and outlining effective mitigation strategies, we provide a comprehensive resource for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders engaged in fostering ecosystem-based management approaches. We conclude that integrating these insights into current management frameworks will be essential to safeguard both top predators and the broader marine environment for future generations.

Nonsmooth dynamics of a Filippov predator–prey ecological model with antipredator behavior

This article proposes a class of nonsmooth Filippov pest–predator ecosystems with intermittent control strategies based on the pest’s antipredator behavior. aiming to investigate the influence of control strategies and switching thresholds on pest control. First, a comprehensive theoretical analysis of various equilibria within the Filippov system is undertaken, emphasizing the presence and stability of sliding mode dynamics and pseudoequilibrium. Secondly, through numerical simulations, the article discusses boundary-focus, boundary-node, and boundary-saddle bifurcation. Finally, the nonexistence of limit cycles in the Filippov system is theoretically studied. The research indicates that the solution trajectories of the model ultimately stabilize either at the real equilibria or at pseudoequilibrium on the model’s switching surface. Moreover, when the model has multiple coexisting real equilibrium and pseudoequilibrium, the pest-control strategy is correlated with the initial density of both the pest and the predator population.

Sex Ratio of Seven Gill Eels Based on System Dynamics and Dynamic Generalisation Models

This paper provides an in-depth study of the ecological impacts of changing sex ratios in the lampreys, an ancient species known as a living fossil, through mathematical modeling. First, a dynamic model was constructed to simulate the response of the sex ratio of the lampreys to food availability and to predict subsequent changes in predator populations within the ecosystem. The model also considered reproductive success to assess broader ecological impacts. The results suggest that changes in lampreys sex ratio can significantly affect ecosystems in many ways. However, risks such as overfishing, environmental stress and predation emerged as clear disadvantages. Further exploration through more advanced dynamic modeling confirmed the stabilizing effect of higher male ratios on the ecosystem. The study also ventured into competition modeling, revealing that lamprey populations may inadvertently favor other species, such as parasites. Taken together, the mathematical modeling in this study provides insights into the ecological role of lampreys and is intended to inform conservation efforts and optimize the ecological use of lampreys.

Rewilding landscapes with apex predators: cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) movements reveal the importance of environmental and individual contexts

Rewilding landscapes through species or population restoration is an increasingly applied practice in biological conservation. There is expanding interest in wildlife release projects for apex predator population augmentation or reintroductions in historical ranges. Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are an IUCN Vulnerable-listed species with a declining global population facing major threats, which in southern Africa primarily include lethal persecution on livestock farms and bush encroachment transforming open habitats to woody areas. We used GPS radiocollars to monitor ten adult cheetahs from 2007 – 2018 in the Central Plateau of Namibia encompassing an area restored as an open savanna field (13.7 km2) located in a matrix of woodland savanna affected by bush encroachment. We generated a set of a priori hypotheses that tested the effects of various factors on cheetah movements indexed by step length. We compared cheetah movement metrics based on their history as wild, rehabilitated, and/or translocated individuals. Day/night activity, habitat type, and habitat edges were significant predictors of cheetah movement. Wild resident cheetahs displayed significantly longer steps than the other cheetah classes, possibly suggesting increased territorial behaviour in response to the presence of introduced cheetahs. Some cheetahs temporally segregated by moving extensively during daytime, but most individuals were primarily active during crepuscular periods. Small prey remained constant across time, whereas large prey declined over the study period. Cheetahs appeared to adjust behaviourally by increasing movements in years when large prey were scarce. Cheetahs appeared to be ecologically adaptable and behaviourally flexible in response to varying prey populations and when translocated to new environments, specifically at the interface between bush-encroached woodland and open savanna. Environmental settings and animal history need to be carefully considered in rewilding and ecosystem restoration, and monitoring of released and resident individuals, if present, is important to understand ecological dynamics at release sites.

Effect of Methyl Jasmonate on the Performance of Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard, 1960 (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Phytoseiulus longipes Evans, 1968 (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Tomato Plants

Inducible anti-herbivore defenses in plants are predominantly regulated by jasmonic acid (JA). The red spider mite Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard, 1960 (Acari: Tetranychidae) is an invasive pest known for its detrimental impact on tomato plants and other Solanaceae crops. Here, we investigated the extent to which T. evansi and the predatory mite Phytoseiulus longipes Evans, 1968 (Acari: Phytoseiidae) are affected by induced JA-defenses. Initially, we artificially induced the JA-response in tomato plants using exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and subsequently assessed the effect of JA defenses on spider mite by evaluating mortality and oviposition rates. Our findings revealed a higher mortality and lower oviposition rates on plants treated with MeJA compared to non-treated control plants. Furthermore, we examined the predatory mite's predation rates on spider mite eggs produced on MeJA-treated and non-treated tomato plants. The results showed a reduced predation on T. evansi eggs derived from MeJA-treated plants, indicating a potential negative impact of JA-induced defenses on the predator's performance. Finally, we released five predatory females on T. evansi-infested tomato plants treated and non-treated with MeJA, monitoring the predator population density for three generations. Predator population was not affected, as the abundance of larvae and adults was not significantly different between treatments. These findings underscore the negative impact of JA defenses on herbivores and highlight the trade-off it may pose on natural enemies.

Multiscale Effects of Predator–Prey Systems with Holling-III Functional Response

In this paper, we proposed a Holling-III predator–prey model considering the perturbation of slow-varying, carrying capacity parameters. The study aims to address how the slow changes in carrying capacity influence the dynamics of the model. Based on the bifurcation theory and the slow–fast analysis method, the existence and the equilibrium of the autonomous system are explored, and then, the critical condition of Hopf bifurcation and transcritical bifurcation is established for the autonomous system. The slow–fast coupled nonautonomous system has quasiperiodic oscillations, single Hopf bursting oscillations, and transcritical–Hopf bursting oscillations within a certain range of perturbation amplitude variation if the carrying capacity perturbation amplitude crosses some critical values, such that the predator–prey management is challenging for the extinction of predator populations under the critical value. The motion pattern of the nonautonomous system is closely related to the transcritical bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation and attractor type of the autonomous system. Finally, the effects of changes in parameters related to predator aggressiveness on system behavior are investigated. These results show how crucial the predator–prey control is for varying carrying capacities.

Seasonal Incidence of Insect Pests and Natural Enemies in Foxtail Amaranthus and Spinach and Efficacy of Dimethoate Against Insect Pests Infesting Leafy Vegetables

An investigation was made to study the efficacy of dimethoate against sucking and defoliator pest-infesting foxtail amaranths and spinach. The efficacy of dimethoate was evaluated at two doses, one at the recommented does of 200 g active ingredient (a.i.) ha-1 and other at double the recommended dose of 400 g a.i. ha-1 along with control and the other at double the recommended dose of 400 g a.i ha-1 along with control. The incidence of leaf webber (Hymenia recurvalis), ear-head bug (Cletus pugnator), Thrips (Thrips tabaci) and leaf miner (Liriomyza trifoli) were observed in foxtail amaranth. In spinach, leaf-eating caterpillars (Spodoptera litura), cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon) and Thrips (Thrips tabaci) were recorded. In spinach at the third leaf stage, nearly 9.20% leaf defoliation, 10.34% leaf damage and a mean thrips population of 3.48/five plants with a mean predator population of 0.32/ five plants were recorded. In the efficacy study, dimethoate was efficient in reducing the infestation of the leaf webber population with pre-mean count of 4.4± 0.87 in control and 1.2± 0.03 in X dose and 0.0± 0.0 in 2X dose after a day after treatment (DAT) in foxtail amaranths. In an efficacy study of dimethoate on thrips in spinach and foxtail amaranth, a complete reduction of thrips population was observed on 3 DAT at X dose and 2X dose with mean thrips population on control was 17.1± 2.12 in spinach and 8.5± 1.24 in foxtail amaranth 3 DAT. These findings indicate that dimethoate application has promising potential as a practical approach for managing insect pests in foxtail amaranth and spinach crops.

Dynamical behaviors of autonomous and nonautonomous models of generalist predator–prey system with fear, mutual interference and nonlinear harvesting

In this study, we explore a predator–prey model to evaluate the impacts of fear, mutual interference, and harvesting, as these factors play crucial roles in modifying population dynamics, trophic cascades, and species interactions. Additionally, we enhance the model to incorporate the seasonality of specific ecological factors across time. The autonomous and associated nonautonomous models have undergone thorough mathematical analysis and extensive numerical simulations in the course of the study. We conduct a fundamental differential sensitivity analysis to discern the key parameters influencing both prey and predator populations within the ecosystem. Through numerical investigations of the autonomous model, we notice that in the presence (absence) of harvesting, the mutual interference among predators destabilizes (stabilizes) the coexisting equilibrium. The fear effect significantly reduces the densities of prey and predator populations, and destabilizes the coexisting equilibrium by producing multiple stability switches. The survival of predators substantially depends on the focal prey if their growth from other food sources is relatively low. Notably, the harvesting of predators is beneficial and promotes the coexistence of species only when their growth from other food sources is too much. Moreover, the system shows bistability, tristability, and multiple limit cycles under identical ecological conditions. We also show various phenomena that manifest within the seasonally forced model, including the emergence of periodic solutions, higher periodic solutions, bursting patterns, and chaotic dynamics. Remarkably, the influence of seasonal forcing possesses the capability to govern the chaotic dynamics by giving rise to an exceedingly quasi-periodic arrangement in the prey and predator densities.

Impact of wind flow and global warming in the dynamics of prey–predator model

Prey–predator interaction is among the most crucial aspects of ecology. In this paper, the dynamics of a prey–predator system in which the prey and predator populations experience a birth rate reduction due to global warming and the wind flow effect on them are investigated. The system’s well-posedness before presenting findings about the existence of potential equilibrium points is studied. Conditions under which a different number of interior equilibria exist are also derived here. It is very important to know that when the positive equilibrium point is stable, this reflects positively on the ecosystem, its continuity and persistence. The conditions that have been identified are conditions that preserve the ecosystem from extinction when environmental influences such as global warming and wind speed are present. In addition, the local stability study around all equilibrium points and established the transversality criteria for the occurrence of transcritical bifurcations and Hopf bifurcations is conducted. The existence of different equilibrium points numerically by altering the prey’s global warming effect is illustrated , also showcasing the model’s dynamic character from a mathematical perspective. For significant amounts of global warming, its notice that the system exhibits periodic behavior. Thus, ecologists can approximate the parameters necessary to investigate and obtain such crucial findings regarding nonlinear systems with the aid of the current study.

Complex dynamics of a discrete-time Leslie-Gower predator-prey system with herd behavior and slow-fast effect on predator population

Complex dynamics of a discrete-time Leslie-Gower predator-prey system with herd behavior and slow-fast effect on predator population

Carotenoid skin ornaments as flexible indicators of male foraging behavior in a marine predator: Variation among Mexican colonies of brown booby (Sula leucogaster)

Carotenoid-dependent ornaments can reflect animals’ diet and foraging behaviors. However, this association should be spatially flexible and variable among populations to account for geographic variation in optimal foraging behaviors. We tested this hypothesis using populations of a marine predator (the brown booby, Sula leucogaster) that forage across a gradient in ocean depth in and near the Gulf of California. Specifically, we quantified green chroma for two skin traits (foot and gular color) and their relationship to foraging location and diet of males, as measured via global positioning system tracking and stable carbon isotope analysis of blood plasma. Our three focal colonies varied in which foraging attributes were linked to carotenoid-rich ornaments. For gular skin, our data showed a shift from a benthic prey-green skin association in the shallow waters in the north to a pelagic prey-green skin association in the deepest waters to the south. Mean foraging trip duration and distance of foraging site from coast also predicted skin coloration in some colonies. Finally, brown booby colonies varied in which trait (foot versus gular skin color) was associated with foraging metrics. Overall, our results indicate that male ornaments reflect quality of diet and foraging–information that may help females select mates who are adapted to local foraging conditions and therefore, are likely to provide better parental care. More broadly, our results stress that diet-dependent ornaments are closely linked to animals’ environments and that we cannot assume ornaments or ornament signal content are ubiquitous within species, even when ornaments appear similar among populations.

Does mutual interference stabilize prey–predator model with Bazykin–Crowley–Martin trophic function?

We investigated a system of ordinary differential equations that describes the dynamics of prey and predator populations, taking into account the Allee effect affecting the reproduction of the predator population, and mutual interference amongst predators, which is modeled with the Bazykin–Crowley–Martin (BCM) trophic function. Bifurcation analysis revealed a rich spectrum of bifurcations occurring in the system. In particular, analytical conditions for the saddle–node, Hopf, cusp, and Bogdanov–Takens bifurcations were derived for the model parameters, quantifying the strength of the predator interference, the Allee effect, and the predation efficiency. Numerical simulations verify and illustrate the analytical findings. The main purpose of the study was to test whether the mutual interference in the model with BCM trophic function provides a stabilizing or destabilizing effect on the system dynamics. The obtained results suggest that the model demonstrates qualitatively the same pattern concerning varying the interference strength as other predator-dependent models: both low and very high interference levels increase the risk of predator extinction, while moderate interference has a favorable effect on the stability and resilience of the prey–predator system.

Precipitation seasonality determines the potential distribution of Hyaena hyaena in Saudi Arabia: Towards conservation planning

Hyaena hyaena is a carnivorous mammal that inhabits a broad variety of habitat types and ecological niches, H. hyaena spread in the Arabian Peninsula excluding Rub Al Khali and the desert of Nafud. In Saudi Arabia, it can be found commonly in the western mountains and the open land near agricultural areas such as valleys and lava fields (Harat). However, the H. hyaena is considered to be globally “Near Threatened” (NC) according to (IUCN) Red List as a consequence of a drop in carrion as a result of a reduction in the population of big predators and their prey, eradication practices, and fragmentation and loss of their habitat. The current study seeks to evaluate the distribution of H. hyaena in Saudi Arabia in relation to a number of environmental parameters, as well as assess the possible appropriateness of different habitats for it under climate change scenarios, and provide significant insights for future conservation strategies. The species distribution models (SDMs) tools were employed to map and monitor the distribution of H. hyaena, and then provide a prediction of species distribution patterns. Multicollinearity analysis of the total 19 bioclimatic variables and topographic roughness index resulted in seven uncorrelated variables with VIF < 5, which had been used in the ensemble modeling. The result of our study showed that the decrease in seasonal precipitation will lead to a decrease in the probability of the presence of H. hyaena in Saudi Arabia and The probability of finding H. hyaena in Saudi Arabia decreases as the driest quarter and wettest quarter mean temperature decreases.

Model Predator-Prey Leslie-Gower dengan Fungsi Respon Sokol-Howell dan Perilaku Anti Predator

This study discusses the Leslie-Gower predator-prey model with the Sokol-Howell response function and anti-predator behavior. It is assumed that prey has anti-predator behavior that aims to reduce the risk of predation and not as an attempt by prey to find food. This study aims to formulate a Leslie-Gower predator-prey model with the Sokol-Howell response function and anti-predator behavior, analyze the model's equilibrium point and model interpretation. Stability analysis was carried out using the linearization method. The type of stability is determined based on the characteristic eigenvalues ​​obtained using Routh-Hurwitz criteria. The results of the analysis of the equilibrium point show that prey populations will exist and predators will become extinct if the anti-predator coefficient is greater than the intrinsic growth coefficient of predators, while prey and predator populations will always exist if the intrinsic growth coefficient of predators is greater than the anti-predator coefficient and fulfills other conditions required. Based on the numerical simulations performed, the interpretation is that an enlarged anti-predator coefficient increases the number of prey populations until they approach the carrying capacity, while predator populations decrease significantly and over time experience extinction.

Prey-mediated effects of Mpp51Aa2-producing cotton on longevity and reproduction of Orius majusculus

Genetically engineered (GE) cotton event MON 88702, producing Mpp51Aa2 (previously mCry51Aa2) from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), controls sucking pests, such as Lygus spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae) and thrips (Thysanoptera). Ingesting high doses of the insecticidal protein resulted in adverse effects on life table parameters of beneficial, predatory Orius spp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae). This triggered laboratory studies with more realistic food treatments, including different combinations of prey types with and without Bt protein to further characterize risks to this important group of non-target organisms. In this work, exclusive feeding of frozen spider mites (Tetranychus urticae, Acari: Tetranychidae) from Bt cotton confirmed adverse effects on longevity and fecundity of O. majusculus adults. Alternate feeding of Bt protein-containing spider mites and Bt-free Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs mitigated effects on longevity, but not on fecundity. When living larvae of Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from Bt cotton were fed to the predators, however, no effects on longevity and reproduction of female O. majusculus were observed, despite the fact that Bt protein concentrations in larvae were almost as high as concentrations in spider mites. When a diverse mix of prey species with various Bt protein concentrations is consumed in the field, it is unlikely that exposure of Orius spp. to Mpp51Aa2 is high enough to exert adverse effects on predator populations. MON 88702 cotton may thus be a valuable tool for integrated management of sucking pests.

Livestock Depredation by Large Carnivores and Human-Wildlife Conflict in Two Districts of Balochistan Province, Pakistan.

Livestock herding is a vital practice in Balochistan, contributing to the economy and culture. The livestock sector is significant in Balochistan, providing 20% of the national stock. Large predators and their prey species, including livestock, have coexisted in these mountainous landscapes for centuries. The aim of the present research is to investigate the impacts of livestock depredation by large predators on livelihoods and predator conservation in two districts of Balochistan, Pakistan. A human-carnivore conflict survey was conducted from July to September 2019, collecting data from 311 residents in a selected study area. Large predators in the study area preyed on a total of 876 livestock during a one-year period, including 560 goats, 292 sheep, 19 cows, and 5 donkeys. The gray wolf is the leading predator, responsible for 66.3% of livestock depredation, followed by the caracal (24.3%), Asiatic jackal (8.9%), and striped hyena (0.6%). The total economic loss was USD 78,694. Overall, 80% of respondents had a negative perception of wolves compared to 24.4% for caracals. Only 20.6% of respondents knew about the importance of conserving carnivores. Livestock depredation by carnivores in the study area created a negative perception of these animals among people. There is a lack of awareness about the importance of conserving carnivore species and their role in the ecosystem. This lack of understanding has ultimately led to detrimental effects on predator populations. It is imperative to raise awareness among people about the ecological significance of carnivores through community meetings, seminars in educational institutions, and providing basic education to herders about effective livestock guarding practices.

Response of diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema) to fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox) predation in the Betampona Strict Nature Reserve, Madagascar.

Large-bodied mammals living in fragmented habitats are at higher risk of extinction, and such risk can be influenced by ecological factors such as predator-prey system dynamics. These dynamics can be particularly complex for conservation management when one endangered species preys on another endangered species in an isolated or poor-quality habitat. Here we describe predation events observed over 19 months that involved two threatened species: the largest carnivore in Madagascar, the fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox), and three groups of diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema) in the Betampona Strict Nature Reserve. This site is a 22 km2 low-altitude rainforest that is surrounded by agricultural land and isolated from larger forest corridors. We aim to (1) assess the behavioral changes of P. diadema in response to fosa attacks and identify any antipredator strategies that they adopted, and (2) quantify the frequency of fosa attacks and the predation impact on the sifaka population. We report five direct observations of fosa predation attempts (one successful), the discovery of a dead sifaka with evidence of fosa predation, and the disappearance of three individuals. We describe the observed attacks and compare the sifaka activity budgets and movement patterns before and after the events. To escape the predator, sifakas fled short distances, hid, and remained vigilant. The impact of predation, combined with low reproductive rates and potentially high inbreeding of this isolated diademed sifaka population, could affect the survival of this species in Betampona.Given the compounding effects of habitat isolation and high hunting pressure, community-specific conservation strategies should incorporate predator-prey dynamics via longitudinal monitoring of predator and prey population densities and quantifying the predation pressure between them.

Spatiotemporal and Trade-Off Dynamics in Prey–Predator Model with Domed Functional Response and Fear Effect

In the ecological scenario, predators often risk their lives pursuing dangerous prey, potentially reducing their chances of survival due to injuries. Prey, on the other hand, try to strike a balance between reproduction rates and safety. In our study, we introduce a two-dimensional prey–predator model inspired by Tostowaryk’s work, specifically focusing on the domed-shaped functional response observed in interactions between pentatomid predators and neo-diprionid sawfly larvae. To account for the varying effectiveness of larval group defense, we incorporate a new component into the response equation. Our investigation delves into predator trade-off dynamics by adjusting the predator’s mortality rate to reflect losses incurred during encounters with dangerous prey and prey’s trade-off between safety and reproduction rate incorporating this domed-shaped functional response. Our model demonstrates bistability and undergoes various bifurcations, including transcritical, saddle-node, Hopf, Bogdanov–Takens, and Homoclinic bifurcations. Critical parameters impact both predator and prey populations, potentially leading to predator extinction if losses due to dangerous prey encounters become excessive, highlighting the risks predators face for their survival. Furthermore, the efficacy of group defense mechanisms can further endanger predators. Expanding our analysis to a spatially extended model under different perturbations, we explore Turing instability to explain the relationship between diffusion and encounter parameters through both stationary and dynamic pattern formation. Sensitivity to initial conditions uncovers spatiotemporal chaos. These findings provide valuable insights into comprehending the intricate dynamics of prey–predator interactions within ecological systems.

Effectively Incorporating Small Reserves into National Systems of Protected and Conserved Areas

Received wisdom has argued that large protected areas are superior to small reserves, based on island biogeography theory, economies of scale, and the need to sustain viable populations of top predators and other large ranging or dispersive species. But this position overlooks evidence that, for many species, strategically placed smaller reserves are extremely important, especially in areas highly altered by humans. Many countries are reluctant or unable to designate additional large protected areas. We provide evidence that carefully designed support networks of smaller protected areas can be an important complement to activities to reach the Global Biodiversity Framework’s target of 30% of the planet in protected and conserved areas by 2030. We identify seven benefits from small reserves, when correctly located and well-managed: (1) conserving critical habitat of range-limited or relic species; (2) conserving remaining areas of sensitive or threatened habitat in altered ecosystems; (3) conserving habitat for sensitive, time-limited lifecycle stages, such as raptor nesting sites and fish spawning grounds; (4) maintaining and enabling connectivity by providing stepping stones of suitable habitat through inhospitable ecosystems; (5) providing increased protection for critical habitat within Category V protected landscapes and seascapes to boost their overall conservation potential; (6) taking advantage of conservation opportunities at cultural sites, sacred natural sites, and other faith-based sites in transformed landscapes; (7) integrating different management approaches and governance types in a range of connected small reserves to multiply conservation impacts. We propose a typology based on these benefits that can guide steps for policy makers to help plan and monitor small reserves in area-based conservation efforts. Using these principles, the role of small reserves in area-based conservation efforts can be further enhanced.