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A consequence of the reduction and subsequent fragmentation of native habitats has been the loss or severe re- duction of specialist predator populations from these altered ecosystems, resulting in a "release" of generalist predators. Demographic aspects of small-rodent populations, especially predator-driven density cycles, have been extensively studied. However, the majority of studies examining predator-prey dynamics have been conducted in relatively undisturbed ecosys- tems, while more limited data are available for regions that have been greatly modified by human settlement. Using rac- coons (Procyon lotor (L., 1758)) and white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus (Rafinesque, 1818)) as focal species, we used an experimental framework to evaluate the hypothesis that generalist mesopredators limit small-mammal abundance in landscapes that have been significantly altered by human land use. Both parametric and nonparametric analyses indicated that populations of white-footed mice exhibited a significant increase (32%) in density where raccoon abundance was re- duced when compared with control populations. Our study highlights an important role that superabundant mesopredators can play in ecosystems through the limitation of secondary prey populations. This research suggests that further investiga- tion of the trophic dynamics of agricultural ecosystems is critical if we are to elucidate the fundamental ecological mecha- nisms associated with the persistence of species in disturbed environments.

Impacts of generalist mesopredators on the demography of small-mammal populations in fragmented landscapes