An invasive prey alters local and landscape contributions of sources and sinks for an endangered predator.

ABSTRACT: Source-sink dynamics are a cornerstone of theory for spatially structured populations. Despite long-standing interest, understanding temporal variation in source-sink dynamics in wild populations remains rare. Biological invasions have the potential to alter source-sink dynamics for native species, which may change over time as invasions proceed. We used 28 years of data on reproduction, movement, and survival to estimate annual source-sink dynamics across the entire range of the endangered Everglade snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus) during the invasion of a novel prey species, the island apple snail (Pomacea maculata). Snail kite populations underwent striking changes in source-sink dynamics with time since invasion, and no population was consistently a source or sink over time.

SUBMITTER: Beatty MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12620111 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature