The diet of an invasive nonnative predator, the feral ferret Mustela furo , and implications for the conservation of ground-nesting birds

摘要: Introduced carnivores have had a significant impact on the fauna of number countries, particularly islands. In British Isles, several offshore islands holding internationally important aggregations seabirds and shorebirds support self-sustaining feral ferret Mustela furo populations, often as top terrestrial predator. However, little is known about interactions between ferrets both native nonnative prey in these locations. We examined diet Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland. determined frequency occurrence items constructed energetic models to determine their potential introduced prey. Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus occurred 75% scats, while birds, carrion, brown rats Rattus norvegicus were secondary items. There was difference diets males females. Estimates energy requirements population at current, with hypothetically reduced, rabbit availability revealed for carrion maintain over winter. Management options could thus focus reducing anthropogenic food sources an immediate way mitigating threat ground-nesting other strategies, including eradication, are considered.