Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

Trapping for mink control and water vole survival: Identifying key criteria using a spatially explicit individual based model

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Laura Bonesi, Professor Stephen Rushton

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.


Abstract

Introduced alien species are the second most important threat to global biodiversity after habitat loss. The American mink Mustela vison has been introduced to several countries and is threatening a number of native species worldwide. We developed a spatially explicit and individual based model as a planning tool to identify key criteria for the implementation of trapping campaigns as a way to control open American mink populations. We first predicted the minimum effort required to reduce populations of mink below a certain threshold and the best time of year in which to trap mink to minimise their numbers. We then employed this methodology to predict the best trapping strategy to ensure the long-term survival of the water vole Arvicola terrestris, one of the species most endangered by the spread of the mink in the UK. We also applied the mink and water vole population models to rationalise a set of observed data in an area of 50 × 30 km in the Upper Thames (UK). The model predicted that it is necessary to remove mink for at least 3 months every year and that a mixed strategy of trapping during the mating, late dispersal and winter seasons is best for keeping mink at low densities. Concentrating trapping during the late dispersal and winter seasons is instead best for ensuring the long-term survival of water voles. Targeting immigrating juvenile mink as well as reproductive adults is important. The model also showed that trapping efficiency might be an important factor to consider when choosing periods in which to trap. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Bonesi L, Rushton SP, Macdonald DW

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Biological Conservation

Year: 2007

Volume: 136

Issue: 4

Pages: 636-650

ISSN (print): 0006-3207

ISSN (electronic): 1873-2917

Publisher: Elsevier BV

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2007.01.008

DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2007.01.008


Altmetrics

Altmetrics provided by Altmetric


Share