Mesopredator
A Mesopredator is a
Mesopredators vary across different ecosystems. Sometimes, the same species is a mesopredator in one ecosystem and an apex predator in another ecosystem, depending on the composition of that ecosystem.[3] When new species are introduced into an ecosystem, the role of the mesopredator often changes; this can also happen if species are removed.[4]
Mesopredator release effect
When
Typically, mesopredators are in competition with apex predators for food and other resources.[2] Apex predators reduce mesopredator populations and change mesopredator behaviors and habitat choices by preying on and intimidating mesopredators.[6] When apex predator populations decline, mesopredators can access hunting and den areas once controlled by the apex predators, essentially assuming the role of an apex predator.[2] However, mesopredators often occupy different ecological niches than the former apex predator and will have different effects on the structure and stability of the ecosystem.[3][4]
Mesopredator outbreaks are becoming more common in
Additionally, in many fragmented habitats, apex predators have more encounters with humans, leaving them susceptible to harmful or deadly conflicts, sometimes resulting in eradication of the apex predator population entirely.[4] Human development also promotes mesopredator outbreaks through increasing access to resources such as pet food, trash, and crops.[4]
The mesopredator release effect is not entirely understood. Most research has been conducted on mammal species, with limited studies on non-mammal animal species.[3] Additionally, it is not well understood how these dynamics may play out in ecosystems with many mesopredator and apex predator species.[3]
See also
References
- ISBN 978-0878935970.
- ^ a b c d e f g "mesopredator release | ecology | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
- ^ a b c d e f Hodge, Anne-Marie. "Laikipia Plateau: What is a Mesopredator?". Scientific American Blog Network. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
- ^ S2CID 40484905.
- ^ "mesopredator release | ecology | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2022-09-22.
- PMID 19614756.
- ISSN 2045-2322.