Proactive development of invasive species damage functions prior to species reintroduction

Nottingham, Catherine; Glen, Alistair S.; Stanley, Margaret C.

doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00534

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 21 publications

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“…Hedgehogs are unlikely to be causing massive damage in the urban forest fragment environment and the level of impact of hedgehogs in the urban forest fragments we studied could be considered 'minimal' to 'moderate' (as defined by Blackburn et al 2014), as hedgehogs are likely to be affecting community composition primarily through predation of invertebrates, with unknown effects on their populations. Habitats might be deemed at higher risk if they bordered open sanctuaries where spill-over dispersal would be expected from reintroduced native birds or lizards (Nottingham et al 2019). Determining the severity of impact would require that studies are carried out on community composition before and after hedgehog removal, which was not possible within the scope of this study.…”

Section: Impactmentioning

confidence: 99%

Snacks in the city: the diet of hedgehogs in Auckland urban forest fragments

Nottingham¹,

Glen²,

Stanley³

2019

NZJE

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Urbanisation causes fragmentation of natural habitats, which results in loss of biodiversity, while promoting an environment that can facilitate invasive species. However, forest fragments are an important refuge for native species and therefore understanding and mitigating threats in fragments is critical. While the impacts of some mammalian pest species, such as rats (Rattus spp.), are relatively well-known in New Zealand, hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are relatively understudied invasive mammals, and their impacts in urban fragments are unknown. Hedgehogs are abundant and widespread in New Zealand, with a relatively broad diet that can include invertebrates, lizards and bird eggs. We examined the stomach contents of 44 hedgehogs collected from 10 forest fragments in urban Auckland, New Zealand. Hedgehogs were feeding predominantly on invertebrates (Coleoptera, found in 53% of stomachs; earthworms, 43%; slugs, 23%), but also weta (13%), giant centipedes (5%), birds (7%) and lizards (2%) at lower frequencies. Hedgehogs are likely to be affecting community composition primarily through predation of invertebrates, with unknown effects on their populations.

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Section: Impactmentioning

confidence: 99%