The paradox of keystone species persecuted as pests: a call for the conservation of abundant small mammals in their native range

Delibes-Mateos, Miguel; Smith, Andrew T.; Slobodchikoff, Con N.; Swenson, Jon E.

doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2011.02.012

The paradox of keystone species persecuted as pests: a call for the conservation of abundant small mammals in their native range

Small mammals, such as European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) and prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.), traditionally have been perceived as pests and targeted for control within their native ranges, where they perform essential ecosystem roles and are considered keys…