title: Novel trophic cascades: apex predators enable coexistence.
abstract: Novel assemblages of native and introduced species characterize a growing proportion of ecosystems worldwide. Some introduced species have contributed to extinctions, even extinction waves, spurring widespread efforts to eradicate or control them. We propose that trophic cascade theory offers insights into why introduced species sometimes become harmful, but in other cases stably coexist with natives and offer net benefits. Large predators commonly limit populations of potentially irruptive prey and mesopredators, both native and introduced. This top-down force influences a wide range of ecosystem processes that often enhance biodiversity. We argue that many species, regardless of their origin or priors, are allies for the retention and restoration of biodiversity in top-down regulated ecosystems.
authors: Charles Darwin University, School of Environment, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. Electronic address: arian.wallach@cdu.edu.au.
authors: Arian D
authors: AD
authors: Wallach
authors: Trophic Cascades Program, Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
authors: William J
authors: WJ
authors: Ripple
authors: Institute for Contemporary Evolution, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
authors: Scott P
authors: SP
authors: Carroll
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D044822:Biodiversity; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D017753:Ecosystem; D020387:Food Chain; D058865:Introduced Species; D011157:Population Dynamics; D011235:Predatory Behavior
keywords: apex predator; invasive species; top-down regulation