Invading and expanding: range dynamics and ecological consequences of the greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula) invasion in Ireland
Loading...
Files
Published Version
Additional File 1: Figure S1.
Additional File 2: Figure S2.
Additional File 3: Figure S3.
Additional File 4: Figure S4.
Date
2014
Authors
McDevitt, Allan D.
Montgomery, W. Ian
Tosh, David G.
Lusby, John
Reid, Neil
White, Thomas A.
McDevitt, C. Damien
O'Halloran, John
Searle, Jeremy B.
Yearsley, Jon M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Public Library of Science
Published Version
Abstract
Establishing how invasive species impact upon pre-existing species is a fundamental question in ecology and conservation biology. The greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula) is an invasive species in Ireland that was first recorded in 2007 and which, according to initial data, may be limiting the abundance/distribution of the pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus), previously Ireland's only shrew species. Because of these concerns, we undertook an intensive live-trapping survey (and used other data from live-trapping, sightings and bird of prey pellets/nest inspections collected between 2006 and 2013) to model the distribution and expansion of C. russula in Ireland and its impacts on Ireland's small mammal community. The main distribution range of C. russula was found to be approximately 7,600 km 2 in 2013, with established outlier populations suggesting that the species is dispersing with human assistance within the island. The species is expanding rapidly for a small mammal, with a radial expansion rate of 5.5 km/yr overall (2008-2013), and independent estimates from live-trapping in 2012-2013 showing rates of 2.4-14.1 km/yr, 0.5-7.1 km/yr and 0-5.6 km/yr depending on the landscape features present. S. minutus is negatively associated with C. russula. S. minutus is completely absent at sites where C. russula is established and is only present at sites at the edge of and beyond the invasion range of C. russula. The speed of this invasion and the homogenous nature of the Irish landscape may mean that S. minutus has not had sufficient time to adapt to the sudden appearance of C. russula. This may mean the continued decline/disappearance of S. minutus as C. russula spreads throughout the island.
Description
Keywords
Sorex minutus , Pygmy shrew , Interspecific competition , Clethrionomys glareolus , Habitat quality , Bufo marinus , Cane toads , Expansion , Dispersal , Evolution
Citation
McDevitt AD, Montgomery WI, Tosh DG, Lusby J, Reid N, White TA, et al. (2014) Invading and Expanding: Range Dynamics and Ecological Consequences of the Greater White-Toothed Shrew (Crocidura russula) Invasion in Ireland. PLoS ONE 9(6): e100403. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0100403