Abstract
Abstract
Context
Large-scale programs for eradication of pest mammals are confronted with the challenge of managing reinvasion. Exploiting high-elevation landscape features that naturally limit the rate of reinvasion is a strategy that is presumed to improve the success of such initiatives, however, the efficacy of doing so has not yet been investigated.
Objectives
We aimed to assess whether high-elevation landforms limit the movements of 10 species of invasive small mammal in New Zealand to such a degree that they could be exploited in landscape-scale eradication programmes.
Methods
We determined the upper elevation limits of species’ distributions, and made spatial predictions based on occupancy models. We applied these in concert to a 310,000 ha area of rugged mountainous environments and identified landforms that function as dispersal barriers to each species of interest. We validated our predictions with existing presence/absence and GPS movement data, and tested our predictions of high-elevation landform barriers with the GPS movement data of a sample of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus).
Results
We found that the extent of barriers which limited movement ranged from widespread (5/10 species), to localised, (3/10 species) to limited (2/10 species). Our predictions of hedgehog movement barriers were strongly supported by GPS movement data of 26 hedgehogs that were tracked in the study area.
Conclusions
Our findings show there is enormous potential to advance landscape-scale eradication of invasive small mammals in areas adjacent to high-elevation landforms by identifying and exploiting landscape features that limit the movement of target species in the strategies of eradication programmes.
Funder
Predator Free 2050 Ltd.
Te Manahuna Aoraki Project
Miss E.L. Hellaby Indigenous Grassland Research Trust
University of Otago
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Nature and Landscape Conservation,Ecology,Geography, Planning and Development
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