An experimental test of a compensatory nest predation model following lethal control of an overabundant native species

摘要: Abstract Culling of overabundant and invasive species to manage their ecological impacts on target is widely practised but outcomes are unpredictable monitoring effectiveness often poor. must improve ecosystem function, so clear, measurable goals, such as improved breeding potential species, necessary. Many also nest predators predation the principal cause failure many birds conservation concern. It important for managers know likely effects when culling one among a suite predatory species. We tested effect hyperaggressive, bird known nesting disruptor, noisy miner (Manorina melanocephala), artificial rates in remnant eucalypt woodlands highly fragmented agricultural landscape eastern Australia. miners already this key threatening process, evidence lacking. found no significant change following treatment, despite 28% reduction abundance treatment compared control sites. identified five other being responsible 18.3% total predation. Our findings suggest compensatory model, which problematic management. means that, where done with view improving by reducing predation, removing may not result commensurate