A tale of conquest and crisis: invasion history and status of the American mink (Neovison vison) in Iceland
Journal Title: Acta Biologica - Year 2016, Vol 23, Issue
Abstract
Invasive alien species are among the major drivers of biodiversity loss, being destructive to native ecosystems, and human economy and well-being. Despite their severe negative impact, tracking the paths of biological invasions and distribution dynamics of invasive species, as well as assessing the scope and character of their interactions with resident species and ecosystems, can be difficult. An interesting case is the naturalization of the American mink in Iceland, with subsequent intensive culling and accurate registration of the number of mink killed by year and area, providing information on mink’s distributional history. Additionally, the Icelandic ecosystem is relatively simple compared to other areas within the non-native range of the American mink. The species was introduced to Iceland in 1931 for commercial fur farming. Escapees spread and multiplied in the following decades. A bounty system for culling was established early, but was unable to halt population growth and the spread of the species. Hunting statistics seem to reflect actual changes in population size and show that population density kept on increasing for three decades after the mink had colonised all suitable habitats. After 2003, the numbers show a rapid > 60% decrease, probably at least in part caused by climate change influencing the marine food web. The American mink seems to have had a negative impact on some bird and freshwater fish populations. The case of the invasive American mink in Iceland improves our understanding of biological invasions, and aids in organizing eradication programmes or control of the species.
Authors and Affiliations
Robert A. Stefansson, Menja von Schmalensee, Jakub Skorupski
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP171338
- DOI DOI: 10.18276/ab.2016.23-08
- Views 64
- Downloads 0
Cold-enhanced gene expression of the foliar thiol-specific antioxidant protein in triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack) seedlings resistant to the pink snow mould resulted from Microdochium nivale (Samuels and Hallett) infection
Pink snow mould resulting from Microdochium nivale (Samuels & I.C. Hallett) infection is one of the most wide spread and serious diseases of winter cereals and amongst them triticale (x Triticosecale, Wittm.), the man-ma...
Molecular study of Prussian carp – an invasive species in the lakes of the Leszno Lakeland
Invasions of alien species are a serious problem worldwide. In Poland, among of 30 alien species recorded in aquatic environment Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) draw increasing attention due to its exceptionally succes...
In search of biopesticides: the effect of caraway Carum carvi essential oil and its major constituents on peach potato aphid Myzus persicae probing behavior
The application of caraway essential oil and its main components, carvone and limonene, to plant surface caused significant changes in aphid probing at the level of non-vascular tissues as well as sieve elements. On trea...
New and rare water mite (Hydrachnidia) species in Polish fauna found in the Krąpiel River and valley water bodies in Ińskie Lake District
During investigation in river Krąpiel valley 7 water mite species new to Polish fauna (Arrenurus falciger, Bandakia concreta, Eylais degenerata, Hydrachna juncta, Lebertia longiseta, Lebertia (Mixolebertia) sinuata, Rutr...
Body Mass Index (nutritional status) and concentrations of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Zn, K, Na in the hair of young men from Tanzania
Background: Excess body weight has become a problem of a medical, social and cultural nature that affects a large share of the populations in nearly all countries worldwide. Little is known about the relationship between...