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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Freshwater Biology
  • Conservation Biology

Background:

  • Top predator loss is a global biodiversity crisis, disproportionately affecting small-bodied freshwater fish. The impact on intermittent streams remains understudied. Research often overlooks small apex consumers, focusing instead on large predators.
  • Intermittent streams face unique ecological challenges, and the consequences of apex predator extirpation in these dynamic environments are largely unknown. Understanding these effects is vital for effective conservation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of top predator loss on intermittent stream ecosystems.
  • To determine if the absence of a small-bodied apex predator, *Barbus meridionalis* (Mediterranean barbel), leads to mesopredator release and cascading effects on community structure and ecosystem function.
  • To assess the functional role and irreplaceability of small apex consumers in intermittent stream food webs.

Main Methods:

  • A mesocosm experiment using enclosure/exclosure techniques was conducted in an intermittent stream.
  • The study focused on the ecological impacts following the local extinction of *Barbus meridionalis* due to a wildfire.
  • Macroinvertebrate communities and periphyton production were monitored to assess changes in structure and function.

Main Results:

  • The absence of *Barbus meridionalis* resulted in mesopredator release and prey release, contrary to traditional food web theories, even with intraguild predation.
  • Macroinvertebrate community composition and total density were significantly altered by the predator's extirpation.
  • Periphyton primary production decreased in the absence of the apex consumer, indicating a significant impact on ecosystem function.

Conclusions:

  • The local extinction of the small-bodied apex consumer, *Barbus meridionalis*, led to major changes in the intermittent stream's structure and function, highlighting its functional irreplaceability.
  • Intermittent streams are susceptible to the consequences of apex consumer loss, underscoring the importance of small predators in maintaining ecosystem integrity.
  • Reintroduction of extirpated small-bodied apex consumers is recommended to restore ecological balance in affected intermittent stream systems.