Hyperpredation

Hyperpredation has been recorded in an ecosystem involving a

Hyperpredation is a complex ecological phenomenon that occurs when a predator's population increases significantly due to the abundance of a primary prey species, leading to excessive predation on a secondary prey species. This can result in the decline or even extinction of the secondary prey population. Hyperpredation is often observed in ecosystems where humans have introduced a non-native species, which then becomes a superpredator, or in situations where human activities increase the food supply for a native predator.

Overview

Hyperpredation involves a cascade of interactions within an ecosystem that begins with an increase in a primary prey population. This increase can be natural or anthropogenic. The abundance of primary prey leads to an increase in the population of its predators. However, if the primary prey becomes scarce or less accessible, these predators may switch to feeding on a more vulnerable secondary prey, putting significant pressure on its population.

Mechanisms

The mechanisms behind hyperpredation are rooted in the basic principles of population dynamics and predator-prey relationships. Key factors include:

• Predator Switching: Predators may switch from their primary prey to a secondary prey if the former becomes scarce or difficult to hunt.
• Prey Vulnerability: Secondary prey may be more vulnerable due to lack of defenses against the newly abundant predators.
• Human Impact: Human activities, such as the introduction of non-native species or changes in habitat, can exacerbate hyperpredation.

Examples

One of the most cited examples of hyperpredation is the decline of the island fox on the Channel Islands, California. The introduction of non-native pigs provided an abundant food source for golden eagles, which led to an increase in the eagle population. When pig numbers were controlled, the eagles turned to the more vulnerable island foxes, causing their population to plummet.

Conservation Implications

Hyperpredation poses significant challenges for conservation biology. It highlights the importance of understanding complex ecological interactions and the potential unintended consequences of human actions on ecosystems. Conservation strategies may include controlling the populations of introduced predators, protecting vulnerable prey species, and restoring natural habitats to support a balance of native species.

See Also

• Predation
• Invasive species
• Ecological balance
• Conservation biology