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Invading and Expanding: Range Dynamics and Ecological Consequences of the Greater White-Toothed Shrew (Crocidura russula) Invasion in Ireland
Date Issued
2014-06-23
Date Available
2016-10-03T15:08:22Z
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 km2 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.
Sponsorship
Heritage Council
Irish Research Council
Other Sponsorship
Genetics Society
Vincent Wildlife Trust
Natural Heritage Research Partnership between the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Quercus, Queen's University Belfast
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
Public Library of Science
Journal
PLoS ONE
Volume
9
Issue
6
Copyright (Published Version)
2014 the Authors
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
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Name
McDevitt_et_al14_GWTS_Invasion_PLOSONE2014.pdf
Size
1.02 MB
Format
Owning collection
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