Eliminating invasive rats may restore nutrient flow across food chain networks in Seychelles

Eliminating invasive rats may restore nutrient flow across food chain networks in Seychelles

Ecosystems are characterized by interconnected structure and functions. A study published in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by Casey Benkwitt at Lancaster University, United Kingdom and colleagues suggests that restoring seabird populations via eradication of rats may help coral reefs by restoring nutrient connectivity in disrupted food chains.

Nutrient connectivity via seabirds enhances dynamic measures of coral reef ecosystem function

Cross-ecosystem nutrient fluxes can influence recipient food webs, including both static measures of structure and dynamic measures of function. This study of nutrient subsidies provided by seabirds on coral reefs shows that dynamic metrics better revealed the flow and effects of seabird-derived nutrients through coral-reef food chains, and allowed prediction of the benefits of removing introduced rats from islands.