Resource pulses are widespread phenomena in diverse ecosystems. Irruptions of generalist consumers and corresponding generalist predators often follow such resource pulses. This can have severe implications on the ecosystem and also on the spread of diseases or on regional famines. Suitable management strategies are necessary to deal with these systems. In this study, we develop a general model to investigate optimal control for such a system and apply this to a case study from New Zealand. In particular, we consider the dynamics of beech masting (episodic synchronous seed production) leading to rodent outbreaks and subsequent stoat (Mustela erminea) irruptions. Here, stoat control happens via secondary poisoning. The results show that the main driver of the optimal control timing (June) is the population density of the control vector. Intermediate control levels are superior to higher levels if the generalist consumer is necessary as a control vector. Finally, we extend the model to a two-patch metapopulation model, which indicates that, as a consequence of the strong vector dependence, a strategy of alternating control patches yields better results than static control. This highlights that besides control level, also the design impacts the control success. The results presented in this study reveal important insights for proper pest management in the New Zealand case study. However, they also generally indicate the necessity of tailored control in such systems.

中文翻译：

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有针对性地控制脉冲资源驱动的有害虫害种群的必要性

资源脉冲是在各种生态系统中普遍存在的现象。通才的消费者和相应的通才的掠夺者的入侵经常跟随这种资源脉动。这可能对生态系统以及疾病的传播或区域饥荒产生严重影响。应对这些系统必须采取适当的管理策略。在这项研究中，我们开发了一个通用模型来研究此类系统的最佳控制，并将其应用于新西兰的案例研究。特别是，我们考虑山毛榉masting（偶发同步种子生产），导致啮齿动物的爆发和随后的白鼬的动力学（鼬erminea）。在这里，暴动控制是通过二次中毒进行的。结果表明，最佳控制时间（6月）的主要驱动因素是控制向量的种群密度。如果需要通才消费者作为控制媒介，则中级控制水平应高于较高水平。最后，我们将该模型扩展为两补丁的亚种群模型，这表明，由于强烈的矢量依赖性，交替控制补丁的策略比静态控制产生更好的结果。这突出表明，除了控制级别之外，设计还影响控制成功。这项研究提出的结果揭示了新西兰案例研究中正确进行有害生物管理的重要见解。但是，它们通常还表明在此类系统中必须进行量身定制的控制。