Habitat mediates coevolved but not novel species interactions

Friend or foe depends on habitat

31 August 2022

The effect of restoration of the pine marten, a native predator in Northern Ireland, on native and introduced squirrels varies dramatically with habitat.

The pine marten is a member of the weasel family. Its numbers have been recovering well after being made a protected species about four decades ago.

Earlier studies have shown that, by keeping numbers of the invasive gray squirrel under control, the pine marten has benefited the native red squirrel.

Now, a five-year study conducted by a team led by researchers from Queen’s University Belfast in the United Kingdom has found that the actual picture is more nuanced as it depends on habitat.

Pine martens do indeed benefit red squirrels in native broadleaf woodland, but in coniferous plantations they are detrimental, reducing red squirrel numbers.

This implies that the current policy of planting conifer forests in Northern Ireland will be detrimental to red-squirrel recovery.

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References

1. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 289, 20212338 (2022). doi: 10.1098/rspb.2021.2338