Recovering predators can create challenges for conservation objectives when they prey on vulnerable species. Although largely uncommon, pinniped predation of birds presents one such challenge. Here, we describe the novel characteristics of this predator–prey interaction, its impact on bird populations, and possible mitigation responses. We do so both broadly, synthesizing the wider literature, and specifically, in reference to ongoing South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) predation of Black-necked Swans (Cygnus melancoryphus) we are currently observing in southern Chile. Our review of the literature suggests that in most cases bird predation by pinnipeds is only exhibited by a small proportion of the population, spreads socially between individuals, can be temporally severe, and may rapidly threaten the viability of bird populations. We discuss feasibility and efficacy of potential mitigation measures highlighting that, as foraging specializations can be socially transmitted, any such actions need to be time conscious as bird-killing behaviors may be increasingly difficult to remove. The contrasting population trends of pinnipeds and seabirds suggests that pinniped predation of vulnerable waterbirds is going to be an increasingly common conservation challenge in the future.

中文翻译：

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夹足鸟类的捕食：引起关注的原因吗？

恢复捕食者捕食脆弱物种会给保护目标带来挑战。尽管在世界范围内很少见，但夹住鸟类对鸟类的捕食却带来了这样的挑战。在这里，我们描述了这种食肉动物与猎物相互作用的新颖特征，它对鸟类种群的影响以及可能的缓解措施。我们广泛地这样做，综合了更广泛的文献，特别是参考了正在进行的南美海狮（Otaria flavescens）捕食黑颈天鹅（Cygnus melancoryphus）），我们目前正在智利南部进行观测。我们对文献的回顾表明，在大多数情况下，pin的鸟类捕食只在少数种群中表现出来，在个体之间在社会上传播，在时间上可能很严重，并可能迅速威胁鸟类种群的生存。我们讨论了潜在缓解措施的可行性和有效性，并着重指出，由于觅食专长可以通过社会传播，因此任何此类行动都必须具有时间意识，因为杀鸟行为可能越来越难以消除。pin和海鸟的种群变化趋势表明，脆弱的水鸟的pin捕食将成为未来越来越普遍的保护挑战。