Predation on native birds in New Zealand beech forests: the role of functional relationships between Stoats Mustela erminea and rodents

摘要: In the Holarctic, predation by mustelids on birds is often linked to population cycles of rodents (especially voles and lemmings) because may be buffered against mustelid at high rodent densities. By contrast, interguild relationships between introduced can have very different consequences for native in ecosystems where been introduced. Here, we consider interactions Stoats Mustela erminea, feral House Mice Mus musculus New Zealand beech Nothofagus spp. forests. We conclude that buffering protect from Stoat normally fails these systems, peak populations mice forests are low Holarctic standards, usually do not become sufficiently abundant distract increased numbers preying birds. However, temporary possible during rare episodes extreme mouse abundance.