ABSTRACT We evaluate evidence that reducing mammalian predators benefits threatened and declining grasshoppers in the Mackenzie Basin, New Zealand. Long-term population trends of Sigaus minutus are investigated under three control regimes: high intensity, indirect control through prey reduction and no control. We then test whether predator control benefits conservation management of Brachaspis robustus by translocating wild-caught individuals to areas of moderate versus no predator control. A significant positive trend in S. minutus counts occurred under high intensity and indirect control, suggesting that mammalian predator control is beneficial. Differences in the decline of translocated B. robustus were observed between moderate and no predator control release sites but could not be unequivocally attributed to predator densities. We recommend replicated predator control studies be undertaken to develop a predator management strategy which will enable grasshopper recovery, and investigate the potential for meso-predator release and prey-switching under regimes that target specific mammals.

中文翻译：

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证据表明减少哺乳动物捕食者对受威胁和数量减少的新西兰蚱蜢有益

摘要 我们评估证据表明，减少哺乳动物捕食者对新西兰麦肯齐盆地受威胁和数量减少的蚱蜢有益。在三种控制制度下研究了 Sigaus minutus 的长期种群趋势：高强度、通过减少猎物的间接控制和不控制。然后，我们通过将野生捕获的个体转移到中等与没有捕食者控制的区域来测试捕食者控制是否有益于粗尾梭鱼的保护管理。S. minutus 计数在高强度和间接控制下出现显着的积极趋势，表明哺乳动物捕食者控制是有益的。在中等和无捕食者控制释放地点之间观察到易位 B.robustus 下降的差异，但不能明确归因于捕食者密度。