Testing the role of parasites in driving the cyclic population dynamics of a gamebird

Redpath, Stephen M; Mougeot, Francois; Leckie, Fiona M.; Elston, David A.; Hudson, Peter J.. 2006 Testing the role of parasites in driving the cyclic population dynamics of a gamebird. Ecology Letters, 9 (4). 410-418. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1461-0248.2006.00895.x

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Abstract/Summary

The role of parasites in regulating populations has been the subject of debate. We tested whether parasites caused population cycles in red grouse by manipulating parasite intensities in four, paired 1 km2 study areas during cyclic population declines over 4 years. Parasite reductions led to (1) larger grouse broods, (2) higher population densities in both autumn and spring, (3) reduced autumn population declines in one of two regions, and (4) reduced spring declines, but only in the first year. We infer that a single trophic interaction between a parasite and its host does not explain cyclic dynamics in spring breeding density in this species, although it contributed to the start of a cyclic decline. Another process was operating to drive the populations down. Together with our other results these findings emphasize that both trophic and intrinsic processes may act within populations to cause unstable dynamics.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1461-0248.2006.00895.x
Programmes:	CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Biodiversity
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	_ Biodiversity & Population Processes
ISSN:	1461-023X
Format Availability:	Electronic, Print
Additional Keywords:	Experiment, parasitism, population regulation, red grouse, Lagopus lagopus scoticus, Trichostrongylus tenuis, unstable dynamics
NORA Subject Terms:	Zoology
Date made live:	02 Jul 2007 15:18 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/444

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