This reflects the compensatory mortality hypothesis where predators consume the proportion of the prey population that would have suffered natural mortality in the absence of predation. Early work suggested that vertebrate predators do not have large impacts on their prey –. There has been much debate in the ecological literature over whether predation does indeed limit prey populations. Predator control is based on the assumption that a decrease in predators will increase prey, or at least reduce the overall losses of prey. Despite the conservation goal, this practice can also cause conflict, particularly with animal rights groups. Predator control is also increasingly employed to protect prey species of conservation concern from both native and non-native predators. ![]() Examples include the effect of a number of raptor species on grey partridge ( Perdix perdix) and pheasants. Control as a result of perceived economic losses from depredation of game species has also caused conflict throughout Europe and in North America. An example of such antagonism is the predation of sheep, goats and cattle by coyotes in the Western USA. Predator-livestock conflicts arise where predator control is used to minimise economic losses. Globally, predator control is most commonly used to protect livestock and to maximise the harvesting of game. Therefore, the consequences of vertebrate predation on animal prey populations are important management and policy issues. Hen harriers ( Circus cyaneus) Coyotes ( Canis latrans), ). ![]() In many instances, predator control has caused conflict between interest groups, and in some has formed the basis of a long-term dispute (e.g. However, its use is contentious due to differences in the way that both prey and predator are valued by stakeholders, especially when the prey is of economic importance and the predator is threatened or endangered. Controlling vertebrate predators is one of the oldest and most widespread forms of wildlife management.
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