Journal
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
Volume 144, Issue 5, Pages 1335-1346Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2011.02.012
Keywords
Cynomys spp.; Ecosystem management; Eradication programmes; Keystone species; Ochotona curzoniae; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Pest species
Funding
- regional government of Castilla-La Mancha (JCCM)
- European Social Fund
- Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion
- US NSF [DBCS-0814794]
- Consejeria de Innovacion, Ciencia y Empresa of the Junta de Andalucia
- Division Of Behavioral and Cognitive Sci
- Direct For Social, Behav & Economic Scie [0814794] Funding Source: National Science Foundation
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Small mammals, such as European rabbits (Otyctolagus cuniculus), plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) and prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.), traditionally have been perceived as pests and targeted for control within their native ranges, where they perform essential ecosystem roles and are considered keystone species. These species can reach high densities, and have been subjected to eradication campaigns because of their putative negative impact on natural habitats and agriculture and their competition with livestock for forage. Eradication programmes have been a main factor causing sharp declines of these species in their natural ranges. Paradoxically, they are keystone species where they are abundant enough to be perceived as pests. The term pest is usually a social perception that is rarely supported by scientific data, whereas there is considerable scientific evidence of the key ecological roles played by these species. We call for the conservation of these species and present a conceptual model regarding the management of their populations. Where they occur at high numbers, and hence their effects on biodiversity are still of crucial importance, the persecution of these species should be avoided and their natural habitats preserved. In areas with high conservation value, but where these species occur at low densities, management efforts should aim to increase their density. In areas of high commercial value, managers ideally should consider changing prioritization of the area to high conservation value by purchasing the land or obtaining conservation easements. In situations with high commercial value and demonstrable low conservation concern, small mammals could be reduced humanely. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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