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Modelling Disease Introduction as Biological Control of Invasive Predators to Preserve Endangered Prey

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Abstract

Invasive species are a significant cause of bio-diversity loss particularly in island ecosystems. It has been suggested to release pathogenic parasites as an efficient control measure of these mostly immune-naïve populations. In order to explore the potential impacts of such bio-control approach, we construct and investigate mathematical models describing disease dynamics in a host population that acts as a predator embedded in a simple food chain. The consequences of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) introduction into a closed ecosystem are addressed using a bi-trophic system, comprising an indigenous prey (birds) and an introduced predator (cats). Our results show that FIV is unlikely to fully eradicate cats on sub-Antarctic islands, but it can be efficient in depressing their population size, allowing for the recovery of the endangered prey. Depending on the ecological setting and disease transmission mode (we consider proportionate mixing as well as mass action), successful pathogen invasion can induce population oscillations that are not possible in the disease-free predator–prey system. These fluctuations can be seen as a mixed blessing from a management point of view. On the one hand, they may increase the extinction risk of the birds. On the other hand, they provide an opportunity to eradicate cats more easily in combination with other methods such as trapping or culling.

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  1. Frank M. Hilker

    Present address: Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Apartado 14, 2781-901, Oeiras, Portugal

    Nuno M. Oliveira

  2. Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal

    Nuno M. Oliveira

  3. Centre for Mathematical Biology, Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2G1

    Frank M. Hilker

  4. Centro de Matemática e Aplicações Fundamentais, Universidade de Lisboa, Complexo Interdisciplinar – Avenida Prof. Gama Pinto 2, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal

    Frank M. Hilker

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Oliveira, N.M., Hilker, F.M. Modelling Disease Introduction as Biological Control of Invasive Predators to Preserve Endangered Prey. Bull. Math. Biol. 72, 444–468 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11538-009-9454-2

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