Location
SPREP LIBRARY
Publisher
Springer Science
Publication Year:
2008
Publication Place
UNKNOWN
Physical Description:
18p
Call Number
[EL]
Material Type
Language
English
Record ID:
442
Legacy PEIN ID:
81894
Available online
Subject Heading(s)
Invasive species - Management - New Zealand
Abstract
Introduced rats (Rattus spp.) can affect island vegetation structure and ecosystem functioning, both directly and indirectly (through the reduction of seabird populations). The extent to which structure and function of islands where rats have been eradicated will converge on uninvaded islands remains unclear. We compared three groups of islands in New Zealand: islands never invaded by rats, islands with rats, and islands on which rats have been controlled. Differences between island groups in soil and leaf chemistry and leaf production were largely explained by burrow densities. Community structure of woody seedlings differed by rat history and burrow density. Plots on islands with high seabird densities had themost non-native plant species. Sincemost impacts of rats were mediated through seabird density, the removal of rats without seabird recolonization is unlikely to result in a reversal of these processes. Even if seabirds return, a novel plant community may emerge.
Theme(s):
Location
SPREP LIBRARY
Publisher
Springer Science
Publication Year:
2008
Publication Place
UNKNOWN
Physical Description:
18p
Call Number
[EL]
Material Type
Language
English
Record ID:
442
Legacy PEIN ID:
81894
Record Created: 22-Aug-2018
Record Modified: 06-May-2025