Emerging ecosystems change the spatial distribution of top carnivores even in poorly populated areas

Barbar, F., Werenkraut, V., Morales, J. M. and Lambertucci, S. A. (2015) Emerging ecosystems change the spatial distribution of top carnivores even in poorly populated areas. PLoS ONE, 10(3), e0118851. (doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118851) (PMID:25799547) (PMCID:PMC4370498)

Abstract

Humans affect biological diversity and species distribution patterns by modifying resource availability and generating novel environments where generalist species benefit and specialist species are rare. In particular, cities create local homogenization while roads fragment habitat, although both processes can increase food availability for some species that may be able to take advantage of this new source. We studied space use by birds of prey in relation to human construction, hypothesizing that these birds would be affected even in poorly populated areas. We worked in Northwestern Patagonia, Argentina, which is experiencing a high population growth, but still having very large unpopulated areas. We related the presence of raptors with different sources of human disturbance and found that both the abundance and richness of these birds were positively associated with anthropogenic environments. These results are driven mostly by a strong association between the medium-sized generalist species and these novel environments (mainly roads and cities). This may create an imbalance in intra-guild competitive abilities, modifying the normal structures of top carnivore hierarchies. Indeed, the structure of raptor communities seems to be changing, even in poorly populated areas, with anthropogenic constructions seemingly producing changes in wild areas more promptly than thought, a cause for concern in ecosystems conservation issues.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This study was supported by funding from CONICET-PIP 0095, SAL, and PICT1156/2010 ANPCYT- FONCYT Argentina. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Morales, Professor Juan
• Authors: Barbar, F., Werenkraut, V., Morales, J. M., and Lambertucci, S. A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: PLoS ONE
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• ISSN: 1932-6203
• ISSN (Online): 1932-6203
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 Barbar et al.
• First Published: First published in PLoS ONE 10(3):e0118851
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license

Related URLs

• Other