Rogue Killers; implications for predator-prey theory

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The project intends to extend predator–prey theory by developing a predation–risk model that incorporates individual differences in predation rate. Predation by introduced predators is the most significant cause of fauna decline in Australia and New Zealand. Current predator–prey theory is based on population-level processes and predator control used to protect threatened wildlife assumes that the removal of each predator is equally important. However, evidence suggests that in many cases only a few individual predators are responsible for population decline. If the physical or behavioural characteristics of successful individual predators can be identified then predator profiling can be used to control problem animals and improve the efficacy of feral animal control programs.