Apex Predator Recolonization Effects on Mesopredator Release and Prey Community Structure in Temperate Forests
DOI::
https://doi.org/10.70102/AEJ.2025.17.2.44کلمات کلیدی:
Apex predator recolonization, Mesopredator release, Trophic cascades, Prey community composition, Temperate forests, Biodiversity conservation, Ecosystem management.چکیده
Loss of apex predators has restructured numerous temperate forest ecosystems, releasing mesopredators and reducing prey diversity. This paper explores the ecological effects of apex predator recolonization on mesopredator species and the makeup of prey communities in temperate forest ecosystems. Using a combination of long-term camera-trap data (n = 120 sites), prey abundance surveys, and occupancy modeling, we compared ecosystem change during the pre- and post-apex predator return periods (10 years). Findings indicate that mesopredator abundance decreased by 41% (p< 0.01) after apex predator recolonization, and the occupancy probability fell to 0.42. At the same time, the richness of prey species and total prey abundance rose by 27 and 19% (p < 0.05), respectively, especially in small mammals and ground-nesting birds. Examples of trophic cascade effects included a 14% increase in vegetation cover in regions where apex predators remained. Structural equation modeling revealed that apex predators exerted both a direct suppressive influence on mesopredators (β = -0.58) and an indirect positive influence on prey communities (β = 0.44). The results indicate that, to some extent, ecological balance can be restored through the recolonization of apex predators, thereby reducing mesopredator release and increasing biodiversity. This study shows that predator conservation and reintroductions are important in ecosystem management. Overall, this study is well supported by empirical evidence: re-establishing the upper control processes can strengthen the resilience and diversity of the temperate forest ecosystem.