Landscape effects in small mammal populations exhibiting density outbreaks and on their interactions with predators and parasites
Résumé
Some species of small mammals (rabbits, prairie dogs, pikas, voles, etc.) have been traditionally perceived as pests and targeted for control on a very large scale despite their importance as key-stone species in their native ecosystems. During the 90s, a number of studies have shown that small mammal population management could be grounded on knowledge of the effects of landscape on population dynamics. Here we present results obtained from the long term and multi-scale study of two grassland species, Microtus arvalis and Arvicola terrestris to illustrate this approach. We describe at which scales landscape variables were found relevant to explain population dynamics and the consequences of the observed population dynamic patterns on the vertebrate community (other small mammal species and predators including species of conservation value) and parasite transmission. This knowledge has practical applications for eco-friendly control of small mammal pests and conservation.