Effects of predator control on behaviour of an apex predator and indirect consequences for mesopredator suppression

• Published in: Journal of Applied Ecology
• Main Authors: Brook, LA, Johnson, CN, Ritchie, EG
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2012
• Subjects: Biological Sciences; Ecology; Behavioural Ecology; Canis lupus
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2664.2012.02207.x; http://ecite.utas.edu.au/81939

Summary1. Apex predators can benefit ecosystems through topdown control of mesopredators andherbivores. However, apex predators are often subject to lethal control aimed at minimizingattacks on livestock. Lethal control can affect both the abundance and behaviour of apex predators.These changes could in turn influence the abundance and behaviour of mesopredators.2. We used remote camera surveys at nine pairs of large Australian rangeland properties,comparing properties that controlled dingoes Canis lupus dingo with properties that did not,to test the effects of predator control on dingo activity and to evaluate the responses of amesopredator, the feral cat Felis catus.3. Indices of dingo abundance were generally reduced on properties that practiced dingo control,in comparison with paired properties that did not, although the effect size of controlwas variable. Dingoes in uncontrolled populations were crepuscular, similar to major prey. Inpopulations subject to control, dingoes became less active around dusk, and activity was concentratedin the period shortly before dawn.4. Shifts in feral cat abundance indices between properties with and without dingo controlwere inversely related to corresponding shifts in indices of dingo abundance. There was also anegative relationship between predator visitation rates at individual camera stations, suggestingcats avoided areas where dingoes were locally common. Reduced activity by dingoes atdusk was associated with higher activity of cats at dusk.5. Our results suggest that effective dingo control not only leads to higher abundance of feralcats, but allows them to optimize hunting behaviour when dingoes are less active. This doubleeffect could amplify the impacts of dingo control on prey species selected by cats. In areasmanaged for conservation, stable dingo populations may thus contribute to managementobjectives by restricting feral cat access to prey populations.6. Synthesis and applications. Predator control not only reduces indices of apex predatorabundance but can also modify their behaviour. Hence, indicators other than abundance,such as behavioural patterns, should be considered when estimating a predators capacity toeffectively interact with lower trophic guilds. Changes to apex predator behaviour may relaxlimitations on the behaviour of mesopredators, providing enhanced access to resources andprey.