Lions do not change rivers: complex African savannas preclude top-down forcing by large carnivores

Comley, Jessica; Joubert, Christoffel J; Mgqatsa, Nokubonga; Parker, Daniel M

Title: Lions do not change rivers: complex African savannas preclude top-down forcing by large carnivores
Creator: Comley, Jessica
Creator: Joubert, Christoffel J
Creator: Mgqatsa, Nokubonga
Creator: Parker, Daniel M
Date Issued: 2020
Date: 2020
Type: text
Type: article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149215
Identifier: vital:38816
Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125844
Description: Trophic cascade theories such as the ‘behaviourally-mediated trophic cascade hypothesis’ (BMTCH), have mainstreamed as ecological tools for conserving biodiversity and restoring ecosystems. The BMTCH relies on indirect negative effects of large carnivores through suppression of mesocarnivore activity and habitat use. Importantly, effects of top carnivores on mesocarnivores varies over time and space, is dependent on the species involved, and local context. In South Africa, there are very few free-ranging carnivores, as populations are often restricted to enclosed reserves. While predator-proof fences reduce human-wildlife conflict, they also influence space use within communities. We used an enclosed reserve with a relatively full complement of carnivores to test the generality of the BMTCH in the African context. Using single-species, multi-season occupancy models we investigated the spatial dynamics of multiple carnivores. We also investigated spatial partitioning by vegetation type and temporal partitioning.
Format: 9 pages
Format: pdf
Language: English
Relation: Journal for Nature Conservation
Relation: Comley, J., Joubert, C.J., Mgqatsa, N. and Parker, D.M., 2020. Lions do not change rivers: complex African savannas preclude top-down forcing by large carnivores. Journal for Nature Conservation, 56, p.125844.
Relation: Journal for Nature Conservation volume 56 number p.125844 August 2020 1617-1381
Rights: Publisher
Rights: Use of this resource is governed by the terms and conditions of the Elsevier Terms and Conditions Statement (https://www.elsevier.com/legal/elsevier-website-terms-and-conditions)

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Parker, Daniel M (Prof)

SDG 15. Life On Land

RU Department of Zoology and Entomology

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