Meeting Abstract
Invasive species can negatively affect a community by taking resources otherwise used by native species. Among the most direct forms of competition between such organisms is food. On the island of Dominica exist a native species of Anole (Anolis oculatus) and a relatively recent invader (Anolis cristatellus). In the ~20 years since Anolis cristatellus first invaded Dominica, it has established breeding populations in all regions of the island except the most mountainous. This presumably puts them in direct competition with the native Anolis oculatus for prey. However, the extent of their dietary niche overlap remains undocumented. Some populations of the endemic native anole appear to be affected by the presence of the invasive more than others. This study uses molecular techniques and fecal samples to determine major groups of arthropods consumed by members of each species in multiple populations across the island. By documenting the extent of their dietary niche overlap, we can better understand competitive dynamics between species within communities and among populations.
