Project Title
Food web effects of disturbance-mediated Gambusia holbrooki population dynamics
Abstract
Invasive species can disrupt the flow of resources between trophic levels, or interconnected ecosystems, with propagating effects and potential implications for biodiversity and ecosystem function. Complex propagating effects are difficult to predict without a thorough understanding of trophic relationships in the natural environment, yet only a limited number of empirical studies have focused on characterising food webs in natural systems.
Gambusia holbrooki, a highly successful invasive poeciliid, commonly dominates the fish assemblage in many Australian wetland systems. Due to its high rate of feeding and densities, Gambusia is likely to exert some level of top-down control in many communities, particularly where high temperatures, lack of disturbance, and an absence of competitors or piscivores promotes population growth or maintenance throughout the year. While several key studies have documented Gambusia’s potential to trigger trophic cascades resulting in algal blooms, little research has been conducted to clarify Gambusia’s dynamic food web effects relative to the abiotic disturbance factors common to wetlands. This project will investigate how the effects of cyclical or random disturbance on Gambusia population dynamics and trophic interactions, may influence food webs, community structure, and ecosystem function. This project will feature a combination of field surveys and manipulative mesocosm experiments.
Supervisors
- Dr. Ross Thompson
- Dr. Nick Bond
See also
eWater CRC
Australian Centre for Biodiversity
Thompson Lab page
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Publications
- McCarthy, B., McGuffie, P. and Ho, S. (2007). Aquatic fauna survey of the terminal section of Wash pen Creek, Euston NSW. Report prepared for the NSW Murray Wetlands Working Group as part of the Lake Caringly Rehabilitation Project. Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, Mildura.
- Ho, S., Roberts, J., Cheers, G. and Suitor, L. (2006). Development and application of an ecological monitoring and mapping program for targeted Kerang lakes. Report prepared for the North Central Catchment Management Authority. Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, Mildura.
- Ho, S., Ellis, I., Suitor, L., McCarthy, B., Meredith, M. (2004). Distributions of aquatic vertebrates within the Mallee region. A report prepared for the Mallee Catchment Management Authority. Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, Mildura.
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