Review of negative effects of introduced rodents on small mammals on islands

In this first comprehensive review of negative effects of introduced rodents on insular small mammals, the focal species Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus, R. exulans and Mus musculus are implicated in at least 11 extinctions. Furthermore, removal experiments, eradication campaigns and control programmes...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biological invasions 2009-08, Vol.11 (7), p.1611-1630
Main Author: Harris, Donna B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Conservation
Data collection
Data collections
Data processing
Developmental Biology
ecological impact
ecological invasion
Ecology
Effects
Endangered & extinct species
Extinction
Freshwater & Marine Ecology
insular small mammals
introduced species
Invasions
Invasive Rodents on Islands
invasive species
Islands
Life Sciences
literature reviews
Mammals
Mus musculus
Plant Sciences
Plasticity
Rattus
Rattus exulans
Rattus norvegicus
Rattus rattus
Reviews
Rodents
small mammals
Studies
threatened species
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Summary:In this first comprehensive review of negative effects of introduced rodents on insular small mammals, the focal species Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus, R. exulans and Mus musculus are implicated in at least 11 extinctions. Furthermore, removal experiments, eradication campaigns and control programmes provide evidence for negative effects on extant populations. While data are currently insufficient for meaningful generalisation with regard to the most threatening rodents, the most threatened small mammals, and the true extent of the problem, it is interesting that R. rattus is implicated in the majority of impacts. This may be explained by its extensive distribution and ecological plasticity. I conclude with methodological recommendations to guide data collection for impact quantification and the study of impact mechanism. This information should facilitate the prioritisation and justification of eradication campaigns, control programmes and biosecurity measures while ensuring that much-needed attention is paid to the conservation of insular small mammals.
ISSN:1387-3547
1573-1464
DOI:10.1007/s10530-008-9393-0