Latest Articles from NeoBiota Latest 2 Articles from NeoBiota https://neobiota.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 20:02:31 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://neobiota.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from NeoBiota https://neobiota.pensoft.net/ Scalability of genetic biocontrols for eradicating invasive alien mammals https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/82394/ NeoBiota 74: 93-103

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.74.82394

Authors: Aysegul Birand, Phillip Cassey, Joshua V. Ross, Paul Q. Thomas, Thomas A. A. Prowse

Abstract: CRISPR-based gene drives offer novel solutions for controlling invasive alien species, which could ultimately extend eradication efforts to continental scales. Gene drives for suppressing invasive alien vertebrates are now under development. Using a landscape-scale individual-based model, we present the first estimates of times to eradication for long-lived alien mammals. We show that demography and life-history traits interact to determine the scalability of gene drives for vertebrate pest eradication. Notably, optimism around eradicating smaller-bodied pests (rodents and rabbits) with gene-drive technologies does not easily translate into eradication of larger-bodied alien species (cats and foxes).

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Short Communication Thu, 7 Jul 2022 18:20:58 +0300
Rapid recolonisation of feral cats following intensive culling in a semi-isolated context https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/58005/ NeoBiota 63: 177-200

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.63.58005

Authors: Pauline Palmas, Raphaël Gouyet, Malik Oedin, Alexandre Millon, Jean-Jérôme Cassan, Jenny Kowi, Elsa Bonnaud, Eric Vidal

Abstract: Invasive feral cats threaten biodiversity at a global scale. Mitigating feral cat impacts and reducing their populations has therefore become a global conservation priority, especially on islands housing high endemic biodiversity. The New Caledonian archipelago is a biodiversity hotspot showing outstanding terrestrial species richness and endemism. Feral cats prey upon at least 44 of its native vertebrate species, 20 of which are IUCN Red-listed threatened species. To test the feasibility and efficiency of culling, intensive culling was conducted in a peninsula of New Caledonia (25.6 km²) identified as a priority site for feral cat management. Live-trapping over 38 days on a 10.6 km² area extirpated 36 adult cats, an estimated 44% of the population. However, three months after culling, all indicators derived from camera-trapping (e.g., abundance, minimum number of individuals and densities) suggest a return to pre-culling levels. Compensatory immigration appears to explain this unexpectedly rapid population recovery in a semi-isolated context. Since culling success does not guarantee a long-term effect, complementary methods like fencing and innovative automated traps need to be used, in accordance with predation thresholds identified through modelling, to preserve island biodiversity. Testing general assumptions on cat management, this article contributes important insights into a challenging conservation issue for islands and biodiversity hotspots worldwide.

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Research Article Tue, 29 Dec 2020 07:52:07 +0200