Rabbits killing birds: modelling the hyperpredation process

摘要: 1. Introduced rabbits are known to have catastrophic effects on oceanic islands, either by direct destruction of the vegetative cover, or resulting disturbance indigenous vertebrates. 2. Another dramatic effect, less well known, but potentially major importance, is hyperpredation process. This process, related apparent competition, predicts that an introduced prey species, adapted high predation pressure, could induce extinction prey, through sudden increased population size predator. In many island ecosystems, simultaneous presence feral cats and thus a further threat for small vertebrates endemic these islands. 3. Through mathematical model, we tested this hypothesis, using tri-trophic system comprising (birds), (rabbits) predator (cats), demonstrated theoretical existence process. 4. In addition, numerical analysis model allowed quantification It shows conditions required species cope with process imply very intrinsic growth rates and/or carrying capacity, as behavioural anti-predator response Since unlikely be met, potential most vertebrate prey. 5. Finally, our that, although it can induced both types adaptation together alone, adaptations alone more powerful in generating than life history traits adaptations.