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Ecological meltdown in predator-free forest fragments.

J Terborgh1, L Lopez, P Nuñez

  • 1Center for Tropical Conservation, Duke University, Box 90381, Durham, NC 27708, USA. manu@duke.edu

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|December 1, 2001
PubMed
Summary
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Predators control herbivore populations, preventing overgrazing. On predator-free islands, increased herbivore densities led to reduced tree seedling survival, demonstrating top-down ecosystem regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Ecosystem Regulation
  • Trophic Cascades

Background:

  • Controversy exists regarding terrestrial ecosystem regulation: top-down (predator control) vs. bottom-up (plant defenses).
  • Predator-free islands created by hydroelectric impoundment in Venezuela offer a unique natural experiment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test competing theories of ecosystem regulation (top-down vs. bottom-up).
  • To investigate the impact of predator absence on herbivore populations and vegetation.

Main Methods:

  • Studied small islands (0.25-0.9 hectare) with limited fauna, lacking vertebrate predators.
  • Compared densities of rodents, howler monkeys, iguanas, and leaf-cutter ants on islands versus the mainland.
  • Assessed densities of canopy tree seedlings and saplings on herbivore-affected islands.

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Main Results:

  • Herbivore densities (rodents, monkeys, iguanas, ants) were 10-100 times higher on islands than the mainland.
  • Seedling and sapling densities of canopy trees were significantly reduced on islands.
  • Absence of vertebrate predators led to increased herbivore populations and subsequent vegetation reduction.

Conclusions:

  • Findings support the top-down regulation theory in terrestrial ecosystems.
  • Predator absence can unleash trophic cascades, severely impacting plant communities.
  • Ecosystem structure is significantly influenced by the presence and activity of predators.