The impact of generalist predators on gamebird populations.

Abstract

Accumulating experience from predator removal experiments, predation impact studies, and associated circumstantial evidence, shows that generalist predators can have a substantial adverse impact on gamebird production and breeding density. Recent examples from England, a removal experiment and an impact study in relation to two common gamebirds, confirm these conclusions. Seasonal reduction of predator numbers dramatically increased grey partridge production, and increased subsequent breeding density. On another area, fox predation was estimated to have reduced the harvestable population of pheasants by one third. Populations of some generalist predators have increased dramatically in recent years, apparently benefiting by both exploitation of suburban habitats, and reduced control. These increases are reflected in numbers killed on gamebird habitats. Pressure to increase protective legislation for these species is a worrying concern for those involved in gamebird conservation.