Invasive rats and seabirds after 2,000 years of an unwanted coexistence on Mediterranean islands

摘要: In the Mediterranean, survival of endemic long-lived seabirds despite long-standing introduction one most damaging alien predator, ship rat (Rattus rattus), on islands constitutes an amazing conservation paradox. A database gathering information approximately 300 Western Mediterranean was analyzed through generalized linear models to identify factors likely influence presence and account for how island characteristics may have driven abundance seabirds. Our review showed that few remain rat-free. At regional scale, only a limiting factor in smallest seabird, storm petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus), while distribution three shearwaters were more influenced by characteristics. We hypothesized long-term persistence these been facilitated various biogeographical contexts islands, provide intra-island refuges.