Effects of predator control on behaviour of an apex predator and indirect consequences for mesopredator suppression

摘要: 1. Apex predators can benefit ecosystems through top–down control of mesopredators and herbivores. However, apex are often subject to lethal aimed at minimizing attacks on livestock. Lethal affect both the abundance behaviour predators. These changes could in turn influence mesopredators. 2. We used remote camera surveys nine pairs large Australian rangeland properties, comparing properties that controlled dingoes Canis lupus dingo with did not, test effects predator activity evaluate responses a mesopredator, feral cat Felis catus. 3. Indices were generally reduced practiced control, comparison paired although effect size was variable. Dingoes uncontrolled populations crepuscular, similar major prey. In became less active around dusk, concentrated period shortly before dawn. 4. Shifts indices between without inversely related corresponding shifts abundance. There also negative relationship visitation rates individual stations, suggesting cats avoided areas where locally common. Reduced by dusk associated higher dusk. 5. Our results suggest effective not only leads cats, but allows them optimize hunting when active. This double amplify impacts prey species selected cats. managed for conservation, stable may thus contribute management objectives restricting access populations. 6. Synthesis applications. Predator reduces modify their behaviour. Hence, indicators other than abundance, such as behavioural patterns, should be considered estimating predator's capacity effectively interact lower trophic guilds. Changes relax limitations mesopredators, providing enhanced resources