The roles of introduced Leporids in the ecosystem: A review of their effects as native and exotic species

BARBAR, FACUNDO; LAMBERTUCCI, SERGIO AGUSTÍN

MAMMAL REVIEW

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2018

0305-1838

1. Humans have historically introduced some species of leporidae (Order Lagomorpha) around the world as a food-source and game species. This family is now cosmopolitan and occupies areas where it did not previously exist. With the exception of European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), the evidence on the effects of these introduced species is scattered and in many cases anecdotal, even though they share many biological traits with O. cuniculus, one of the 100 worst invasive species worldwide. 2. We review available studies on the 12 leporid species that have been introduced by humans to areas beyond their native ranges. Our aim is to describe their roles in their native geographic ranges and compare them with their roles in their exotic ranges. We reviewed their effects on the ecosystem at different levels of the trophic chain. We also evaluated the health and economic consequences of their introductions.3. In their native ranges these 12 leporids are known for providing resources for other species, act as seed dispersers and ecosystem engineers, among many other functions. The effects of leporids in their exotic geographic range are also conspicuous, and in many cases strongly negative, due to competition with native fauna and the facilitation of the presence of other invaders. Nonetheless, they also constitute a food resource for native species. 4. In their native range, leporids function as primary prey items for several predator species, while in their exotic distribution ranges they came to maintain native and exotic predators. As game species for humans, their hunting may indirectly impact the ecosystems by increasing the amount of lead in the environment. Moreover, they may be carriers of zoonotic diseases. 5. Conservation biologists should carefully consider the contrasting effects of the introduced leporids species in the ecosystem before developing any management strategy including these species.