Details:

Journal Title:
Science Advances
Personal Author:
Stier, Adrian C. ; Samhouri, Jameal F. ; Novak, Mark ; Marshall, Kristin N. ; Ward, Eric J. ; ... More +
Stier, Adrian C. ; Samhouri, Jameal F. ; Novak, Mark ; Marshall, Kristin N. ; Ward, Eric J. ; Holt, Robert D. ; Levin, Phillip S. Less -
NOAA Program & Office:
NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) ; NWFSC (Northwest Fisheries Science Center)
NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) ; NWFSC (Northwest Fisheries Science Center) Less -
Description:
Habitat loss, overexploitation, and numerous other stressors have caused global declines in apex predators. This “trophic downgrading” has generated widespread concern because of the fundamental role that apex predators can play in ecosystem functioning, disease regulation, and biodiversity maintenance. In attempts to combat declines, managers have conducted reintroductions, imposed stricter harvest regulations, and implemented protected areas. We suggest that full recovery of viable apex predator populations is currently the exception rather than the rule. We argue that, in addition to well-known considerations, such as continued exploitation and slow life histories, there are several underappreciated factors that complicate predator recoveries. These factors include three challenges. First, a priori identification of the suite of trophic interactions, such as resource limitation and competition that will influence recovery can be difficult. Second, defining and accomplishing predator recovery in the context of a dynamic ecosystem requires an appreciation of the timing of recovery, which can determine the relative density of apex predators and other predators and therefore affect competitive outcomes. Third, successful recovery programs require designing adaptive sequences of management strategies that embrace key environmental and species interactions as they emerge. Consideration of recent research on food web modules, alternative stable states, and community assembly offer important insights for predator recovery efforts and restoration ecology more generally. Foremost among these is the importance of a social-ecological perspective in facilitating a long-lasting predator restoration while avoiding unintended consequences.
Keywords:
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Ecology
Predatory Animals
Restoration

Source:
Science Advances 2(5), 2016
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1501769
Pubmed Central ID:
PMC4928970
Document Type:
Journal Article
Rights Information:
Other
Compliance:
PMC
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:ba9489197b7c3c4001f1f261bb5c33adc2280af064ebb22aafb475d0b548eff5
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