Meta-analysis of the effects of predation on animal prey abundance: evidence from UK vertebrates.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Controlling vertebrate predators is one of the most widespread forms of wildlife management and it continues to cause conflict between stakeholders worldwide. It is important for managers and policy-makers to make decisions on this issue that are based on the best available scientific evidence. Therefore, it is first important to understand if there is indeed an impact of vertebrate predators on prey, and then to quantify this impact.

Methodology/principal findings

Using the UK as a case study, we use a meta-analytical approach to review the available evidence to assess the effect of vertebrate predation on animal prey abundance. We find a significant effect of predators on prey abundance across our studies. On average, there is a 1.6 fold increase in prey abundan

SUBMITTER: Holt AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2405933 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature