Invasive predators and global biodiversity loss

TLDR

Invasive mammalian predators, especially cats, rodents, dogs, and pigs, are responsible for 58 % of extinctions among 738 vertebrate species, with island endemics most at risk, making their control a global conservation priority. The study aims to understand and mitigate the impact of invasive mammalian predators to reduce global biodiversity loss.

Abstract

Significance Invasive mammalian predators are arguably the most damaging group of alien animal species for global biodiversity. Thirty species of invasive predator are implicated in the extinction or endangerment of 738 vertebrate species—collectively contributing to 58% of all bird, mammal, and reptile extinctions. Cats, rodents, dogs, and pigs have the most pervasive impacts, and endemic island faunas are most vulnerable to invasive predators. That most impacted species are insular indicates that management of invasive predators on islands should be a global conservation priority. Understanding and mitigating the impact of invasive mammalian predators is essential for reducing the rate of global biodiversity loss.